John Scott Winslow of Gig Harbor, Washington, a stockbroker formerly registered with Edward Jones, has been barred from associating with any Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) member in any capacity founded on findings that Winslow failed to cooperate with a FINRA investigation concerning accusations of his failure to return funds provided to him from an Edward Jones customer. Letter of Acceptance, Waiver, and Consent No. 2022073728601 (April 12, 2022).
According to the AWC, FINRA learned of Winslow’s termination as a stockbroker from Edward Jones on December 15, 2021. Edward Jones contends that Winslow failed to tell the firm about the customer funds he received. The regulator learned from a Form U5 amendment dated January 26, 2022, that the customer accused Winslow of refusing to pay them back.
FINRA asked Winslow for documents and information in the investigation. Winslow received a request from the regulator on February 15, 2022, which required his cooperation in the investigation. But on March 23, 2022, FINRA received an email from Winslow’s lawyer, who confirmed that Winslow would not provide documents or information to the regulator. The AWC states that Winslow’s refusal showed that he violated FINRA Rules 2010 and 8210.
FINRA Public Disclosure shows that on December 13, 2021, a customer filed an investment related FINRA securities arbitration claim regarding Winslow’s activities where the customer sought $893,289.93 in damages based upon accusations of Winslow stealing from them during the time that he was registered with Edward Jones. FINRA Arbitration No. 21-03022.
According to the arbitration claim, Winslow steered the customer towards loaning him funds. The customer was allegedly led to believe that Winslow would repay them with interest. The claim alleges that Winslow did not return the customer’s funds and refused to do so when questioned about it. The claim also alleges that the customer’s outside account had been controlled by Winslow, who drew checks from that account to buy gold for the customer.
Winslow was employed by Edward Jones between September 20, 2013, and December 15, 2021.
