FINRA Fines and Suspends Naples Florida Broker Brian Pittman Over Sales Not Approved by Member Firm

FINRA found that Brian Lewis Pittman participated in private securities transactions by making sales of oil and gas limited partnership interests that were not approved by his member firm, Westport Resources Investment Services, Inc.

FINRA found that between April 2011 and June 2011, Pittman participated in private securities transactions by referring customers with Westport accounts to invest in limited partnership interest in the Permian Advanced Oil Recovery Investment Fund 1 LP (“Permian”), which was being offered by Quest. The Permian limited partnership interests are a security. Specifically, Pittman referred two customers with Westport accounts to Quest. In total, these customers invested $375,000 in the Permian offering. Pittman also participated in the transactions by assisting the customers with processing the requisite paperwork to effect the transactions. In connection with these transactions, Pittman received compensation from Quest of approximately $45,000.

Pittman’s failure to obtain approval of his participation in such transactions has resulted in an assessed fine of $7,500 and suspension from any FINRA member firm for four months. According to FINRA Broker Check (CRD # 2963196), the suspension is in effect from December 15, 2014, through April 14, 2015.

Brian Lewis Pittman has previously been registered with the following member firm(s):

SABADELL SECURITIES USA, INC.
CRD #148137
MIAMI, FL
10/2012 – 02/2014

WESTPORT RESOURCES INVESTMENT SERVICES, INC.
CRD #24535
NAPLES, FL
02/2010 – 10/2012

BONDS.COM, INC.
CRD #43875
NAPLES, FL
10/2007 – 02/2010

JVB FINANCIAL GROUP, LLC
CRD #104412
BOCA RATON, FL
08/2007 – 10/2007

PINNACLE BROKERAGE SERVICE, INC.
CRD #107803
CHARLOTTE, NC
07/2007 – 08/2007

SUNTRUST INVESTMENT SERVICES, INC.
CRD #17499
SARASOTA, FL
03/2006 – 07/2007

CITIGROUP GLOBAL MARKETS INC.
CRD #7059
NEW YORK, NY
11/2003 – 02/2006

ROBERT W. BAIRD & CO. INCORPORATED
CRD #8158
MILWAUKEE, WI
12/1997 – 11/2001

If you and have suffered investment losses, please contact the Hanley Law to explore your legal options. The Hanley Law is dedicated to helping investors who have been victims of securities fraud. If you have lost money as a result of securities fraud, you may be able to recover your financial losses. Contact us today toll free at (239) 649-0050 for a free initial consultation.

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