Maria De Los Angeles Leon (also known as Maria Del Real), of Grand Rapids, Michigan, a stockbroker registered with PNC Investments, has been barred from associating with any Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) member in any capacity because Leon refused to provide information and testimony requested by FINRA during an investigation into allegations of the misappropriation of customer funds. Letter of Acceptance, Waiver, and Consent No. 2024083243101 (September 20, 2024).
FINRA Rule 8210 gives the regulator the authority to ask individuals or securities broker dealers to provide information, documents, or testimony during an investigation. The rule helps to ensure that FINRA can fully investigate potential misconduct. If someone refuses to comply with these requests, it is considered a violation of FINRA Rule 8210.
According to the AWC, FINRA initiated an investigation into Leon after her former employer, PNC Investments, reported that Leon had been discharged for allegedly misappropriating customer funds. On September 10, 2024, Leon confirmed with FINRA that she understood its request for documents and information and that she would not cooperate in the investigation at any time. FINRA found that Leon violated FINRA Rules 8210 and 2010.
Leon was associated with PNC Investments in Grand Rapids, Michigan, from June 8, 2022, to September 4, 2024. She was associated with J.P. Morgan Securities LLC in Chicago, Illinois, from April 3, 2015, to June 1, 2022, and associated with J.P. Morgan Securities LLC in San Leandro, California, from October 1, 2012, to January 15, 2015.
