Murphy, Lawson work to protect residents against securities fraud

Indiana Secretary of State Connie Lawson and State Senator Ed Charbonneau met with the Pulaski County Prosecutor, Daniel Murphy last week (Sept. 17) to discuss their ongoing efforts to protect  Pulaski County residents against the various types of securities fraud.  

Currently, Murphy and Lawson are jointly involved in the prosecution of Joshua Ader of Seattle, Wash. on security fraud charges.  

Ader is charged with multiple felony counts including fraudulent or deceitful acts in the offer or sale of a security as a class B felony and acting as an unregistered broker-dealer and corrupt business influence all as class C felonies. He is accused of stealing $255,000 from investors by soliciting investments over the phone and awaits trial to determine his guilt or innocence in this matter in the Pulaski Circuit Court.  

Secretary Lawson is a strong advocate against the various kind of frauds and abuses, especially targeted against elderly Hoosiers and their retirement finances.

Lawson said “It is a red flag if someone is contacting you to offer financial advice, rather than you reaching out to them”.  

She encourages Hoosiers to always check with her office before making an investment if there is a question about any offer they receive. Lawson said it is the number one way to protect your financial investments.  

Charbonneau concurred, stating that although most financial representatives are very ethical and professional, there are always some who are willing to take advantage of others. A quick call to the Secretary of State’s Office can determine if the financial advisor is properly registered and regulated in Indiana. 

Hoosiers should be vigilant regarding their property. A search or phone call could save Hoosiers thousands of dollars. Should you have any concerns, you may contact Murphy’s Office or the Office of the Indiana Secretary of State who will be available to assist you.