Ashlee Nicole Godfrey (also known as Ashlee Nicole Bramlett and Ashlee Nicole Sharp), of Dalton, Georgia, a stockbroker registered with Benjamin F. Edwards Company Inc., has been barred from associating with any Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) member in any capacity because Godfrey refused to testify before FINRA staff in connection with its investigation into her alleged use of an unapproved communication platform for customer communications. Letter of Acceptance, Waiver, and Consent No. 2022073893001 (September 9, 2024).
FINRA Rule 8210 allows the regulator to request information, documents, or testimony from individuals associated with a FINRA-member securities broker dealer during an investigation or examination. If FINRA asks someone to testify, they are required to do so under oath and provide all requested information. Failure to follow Rule 8210 can also lead to a violation of Rule 2010.
According to the AWC, FINRA began investigating Godfrey after Wells Fargo Clearing Services filed a notice stating that Godfrey was under internal review for customer complaints. These complaints involved claims that Godfrey falsely told a customer that certain securities were insured when they were not. On June 25, 2024, FINRA requested that Godfrey provide testimony about these communications, but Godfrey, through her lawyer, stated she would not comply.
By refusing to give testimony when asked, Godfrey violated FINRA Rules 8210 and 2010.
FINRA Public Disclosure shows that Godfrey is referenced in seven customer initiated investment related disputes concerning Godfrey’s conduct while associated with securities broker dealers. On April 22, 2022, a customer initiated investment related complaint involving Godfrey’s conduct was settled for $50,000.00 in damages based upon the alleged unsuitable investment recommendation of securities during the period that Godfrey was associated with Wells Fargo Advisors LLC.
On May 23, 2022, a different customer complaint involving Godfrey’s conduct was settled for $38,944.58 in damages based upon alleged misrepresentations of material fact when Godfrey was associated with Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC.
Godfrey was also referenced in a customer complaint that was settled for $27,558.83 in damages on June 1, 2022, based upon alleged misrepresentation regarding the safety of stocks. On January 24, 2023, another customer complaint was settled for $32,000.00 in damages resulting from alleged guarantees and assurances made by the stockbroker at Wells Fargo.
Godfrey was associated with Benjamin F. Edwards Company Inc. in Dalton, Georgia, from October 1, 2021, to November 21, 2023. Godfrey was associated with Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC in Dalton, Georgia, from February 14, 2014, to October 14, 2021.
