On May 15, 2017 the Corporation Commissioner for the state of Arizona, acting through the Securities Division filed a complaint seeking a cease and desist order, and the revocation of securities licensing against Michael Crowe, a registered representative formerly registered with Securities America and FSC Securities Corporation. The Corporation Commissioner is seeking the revocation of Crowe’s license as a result of his participation in an unapproved securities transaction made while Crowe was registered with Securities America.
The Securities Divisions’ complaint stems from an investigation into Crowe’s role in a securities transaction made with Simply Smart Homes, a company run by Richard Smart. Smart purported to have an expertise in buying, fixing up, then “flipping” homes, and was looking for investors to fund his operations. Smart and his company was previously the subject of a separate action brought by the Commissioner.
According to the complaint Crowe introduced a client to Smart, who was touting eight to ten percent returns for an investment in his company. Crowe was paid $2,500 as a finder’s fee/commission for these services. Several months later, in August, 2016, Crowe’s employer, Securities America discovered the transaction and terminated Crowe for engaging in private securities transactions without obtaining prior approval from the firm.