Daniel Edward Becerril II of Huntington Beach, California, who held himself out as a financial adviser, was arrested and charged with murdering his client, Alexander Merman in connection with an investment fraud. Mr. Merman, a 35 year old teacher, was reportedly stabbed to death by Becerril shortly after he began demanding his money back (“Advisor Charged With Murdering Client To Cover Up Fraud,” Financial Advisor News).
Becerril owed Merman $250,000 and stole an additional $300,000 from Merman’s investment accounts. Becerril was also charged with forgery and grand theft and is being held without bail. Also arrested were his wife, Sandra Becerril, his sister Rebekah Becerril, and a partner, Abram Guajardo. All were involved with Becerril’s firm, AP Financial.
Victims are reportedly still coming forward and the scheme allegedly involves millions of dollars.
Becerril has not been registered with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority since August 2009, but he continued to hold himself out as being associated with Veritrust Financial LLC in Austin, Texas, according to the article. Veritrust Financial is a FINRA member. Becerril was banned from being associated with any FINRA firm in 2012.
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