Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Former Stratton Oakmont Executive Charged in Securities Fraud Case

Irving Stitsky, a former executive at Stratton Oakmont, along with Mark Alan Shapiro and William B. Foster, have been found guilty of committing securities fraud. The crime involved more than 150 investors who together entrusted Stitsky with $18 million.

The three convicted perpetrated their illegal activity under an umbrella corporation known as, “Cobalt.” The company claimed to acquire and develop real-estate properties, some of which were never under its ownership. The three also lied to investors about the history of their company. In addition to these misrepresentations, Stitsky and Shapiro failed to disclose that they were convicted felons.

Stitsky is most known for his boiler room operations in the 1990s, actions that caused him to lose his securities licenses. Shapiro, on the other hand, served 30 months in prison after pleading guilty to bank fraud and conspiracy to commit tax fraud.

After the three-week trial, Stitsky, Shapiro, and Mr. Foster were found guilty of securities fraud, wire fraud, mail fraud and conspiracy charges.

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