Elder fraud

The advisor used about $410,000 to pay back investors in Ponzi-like fashion to keep the scheme alive, the regulator says.

At least 17 individuals invested $13 million in the scheme, and many lost 'substantial portions' of their life savings, prosecutors say.

Some of the proceeds went to commission a song with the lyrics: “Pop champagne in L.A., New York to Florida; buy another bottle just to spray it all over ya,” says the SEC.

The regulator obtained an emergency asset freeze against the advisor.

The advisor told the client that she could pre-pay her advisory account fees at a discount by writing him a $7,400 check, FINRA claimed.

The fraudulent investments advertised guaranteed returns of up to 8% annually, the regulator says.

Howard Price III used the funds to make purchases at clubs, bars and restaurants, say regulators.

Dean Mustaphalli "deceived the clients that trusted him," New York Attorney General Barbara Underwood said.

Former advisor Paul Marshall's prison term "will be little solace to the dozen victims who lost their life savings due to his greed and callous concern for their well-being,” the FBI says.

Clients thought they were investing in real estate developments that would be flipped for profit.