Daniel Hillius, a registered representative with Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, was permanently barred from association with any FINRA member firm in any capacity after consenting to Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) findings that he misappropriated and forged another person’s check while converting funds for his own benefit. Letter of Acceptance, Waiver, and Consent No. 2014041988001 (Mar. 27, 2015). Wells Fargo terminated (by discharge) Hillius in connection with his conduct on July 1, 2014.
According to the AWC, in December 2013, a check intended for the account of customers PS and AS was delivered to the residence of Hillius. Hillius reportedly forged the check making it payable to JZ for $922.84. The AWC noted that Hillius, in his professional capacity, then proceeded to open up a bank account at Wells Fargo in JZ’s name, funding it by using the money from the forged check. Hillius subsequently retrieved ATM cards for the JZ account and withdrew a minimum of $900.00 in funds for his personal benefit. FINRA found Hillius’ conduct to be in violation of FINRA Rule 2010, causing him to be barred as a result.
In connection with the Hillius’ conduct, in October 2014, the State of Idaho filed a four-count felony criminal information against Hillius, in which Hillius pled guilty to the charge of criminal possession of a financial transaction card in violation of Idaho Code Section 18-3125. Hillius, via a plea agreement, agreed to a sentence of two and a half years of probation along with restitution for the funds converted.
Firms and individuals, not surprisingly, are prohibited from unauthorized use of customer funds, borrowing of a customer’s securities or funds, forgery, non-disclosures or misstatements of material facts, and various deceptions and manipulations. Such conduct can also be found to violate criminal and other civil laws, and be subject to sanction from the federal and state government bodies.
Guiliano Law Group
If you have been the victim of securities fraud and you have a complaint, you should consult with an attorney. The practice of Nicholas J. Guiliano, Esq., and The Guiliano Law Group, P.C., is limited to the representation of investors in claims for fraud in connection with the sale of securities, the sale or recommendation of excessively risky or unsuitable securities, breach of fiduciary duty, and the failure to supervise. We accept representation on a contingent fee basis, meaning there is no cost unless we make a recovery for you, and there is never any charge for a consultation or an evaluation of your claim. For more information contact us at (877) SEC-ATTY.
