SEC v. Aaron B. Fletcher; and Twin Spires Financial LLC, No. 3:22-cv-01467, Western District of Louisiana (June 2, 2022) — Complaint
raw: unregistered municipal adviser, Twin Spires Financial LLC (“Twin Spires”) and its
unregistered municipal adviser, Twin Spires Financial LLC (“Twin Spires”) and its, No. 3:22-cv-01467 (June 2, 2022)
Aaron B. Fletcher and Twin Spires Financial LLC fraudulently inflated sewer revenue projections to secure $5.8 million in municipal bonds for Sterlington, Louisiana, misleading regulators and investors while operating as unregistered municipal advisers, leading to SEC charges under multiple securities laws and a pending criminal case against the mayor they aided.
The SEC alleges that Aaron B. Fletcher and Twin Spires Financial LLC fabricated financial projections for the Town of Sterlington’s 2017 and 2018 municipal bond offerings, inflating sewer system revenue and customer counts to artificially meet debt service coverage requirements and secure $5.8 million in bond proceeds. Fletcher and Twin Spires violated Sections 17(a)(1), 17(a)(3), 10(b), and 15B(a)(1)(B) of the federal securities laws, along with MSRB Rules G-17 and G-42, by submitting false data to the Louisiana State Bond Commission and failing to register as municipal advisers, while receiving $26,303 in advisory fees. The SEC further charges them with aiding and abetting Sterlington’s violations and seeks disgorgement with interest, civil penalties, and permanent injunctions.
Aaron B. Fletcher and Twin Spires Financial LLC fraudulently inflated sewer system revenue and customer projections to secure $5.8 million in municipal bonds for the Town of Sterlington, Louisiana, in 2017 and 2018, misleading the Louisiana State Bond Commission and investors into believing the town could service its debt. Despite knowing actual customer numbers were less than half of those projected, Fletcher and Twin Spires submitted false financial data to obtain bond approval, artificially meeting required debt service coverage ratios and receiving $26,303 in advisory fees. Operating without registering as municipal advisers as mandated by Section 15B(a)(1)(B) of the Exchange Act, they also violated Sections 17(a)(1), 17(a)(3), and 10(b) of the Securities Act and Exchange Act, as well as MSRB Rules G-17 and G-42, through material misrepresentations and omissions. The SEC further alleges they aided and abetted Sterlington’s violations of Section 17(a)(2) by enabling the town’s false disclosures. Meanwhile, former Mayor Vern A. Breland, who approved the fraudulent submissions, faces a pending felony charge of malfeasance in office related to the misuse of bond proceeds. The SEC is seeking permanent injunctions, disgorgement of ill-gotten gains with prejudgment interest, civil penalties, and other equitable remedies against both defendants for their fraudulent and unregistered advisory conduct.
Extracted insights
- $4.00M $4 million $1M–$10M
- $3.50M $3.5 million $1M–$10M
- $1.84M $1.845 million $1M–$10M
- $1.80M $1.8 million $1M–$10M
- $1.20M $1.2M $1M–$10M
- $865K $864,693 $100K–$1M
- $500K $500,000 $100K–$1M
- $500K $500,000 $100K–$1M
- $18K $18,000 $10K–$100K
- $8K $8,303 <$10K
- person aaron b. fletcher
- company aaron b. fletcher and twin spires financial llc
- agency louisiana grand jury
- agency municipal adviser with sec
- agency Securities and Exchange Commission
- agency town of sterlington, louisiana between 2015 and 2018 without sec registration
- company twin spires financial llc
- SEC filed complaint against Aaron B. Fletcher and Twin Spires Financial LLC
- Twin Spires Financial LLC used fraudulent financial projections in connection with Municipal bond issuance by Town of Sterlington, Louisiana in 2017 and 2018
- Aaron B. Fletcher is owner and sole employee of Twin Spires Financial LLC
- Town of Sterlington, Louisiana sold $4 million water and sewer utility revenue bonds on April 27, 2017
- Town of Sterlington, Louisiana sold $1.8 million refunding bond on September 28, 2018
- Twin Spires Financial LLC and Aaron B. Fletcher violated Sections 17(a)(1) and 17(a)(3) of Securities Act of 1933
- Twin Spires Financial LLC and Aaron B. Fletcher violated Sections 10(b) and 15B(c)(1) of Securities Exchange Act of 1934
- Twin Spires Financial LLC and Aaron B. Fletcher violated MSRB Rules G-17 and G-42
- Twin Spires Financial LLC failed to register as Municipal Adviser with SEC
- Twin Spires Financial LLC provided municipal advisory services to Town of Sterlington, Louisiana between 2015 and 2018 without SEC registration
- Vern A. Breland was Mayor of Town of Sterlington, Louisiana from 2006 to October 1, 2018
- Vern A. Breland actively participated in and approved False financial projections submitted to Louisiana State Bond Commission
- Louisiana grand jury charged Vern A. Breland with malfeasance in office on August 7, 2020
- Aaron B. Fletcher is resident of Frisco, TX
- Twin Spires Financial LLC was formed in July 2015
- Twin Spires Financial LLC has principal place of business in Frisco, TX
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE WESTERN DISTRICT OF LOUISIANA
__________________________________________
)
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, )
)
)
Plaintiff, ) Civil Action No.:
)
v. )
)
AARON B. FLETCHER and TWIN SPIRES )
FINANCIAL LLC, )
)
Defendants. )
_________________________________________ _ )
COMPLAINT
Plaintiff United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”)
alleges:
SUMMARY OF ALLEGATIONS
1. This Case involves the use of fraudulent financial projections by an
unregistered municipal adviser, Twin Spires Financial LLC (“Twin Spires”) and its
sole owner and employee, Aaron B. Fletcher (“Fletcher”) (collectively, the
“Defendants”) in connection with issuance of municipal bonds in 2017 and 2018
by their client, the Town of Sterlington, Louisiana (the “Town” or “Sterlington”).
Twin Spires also failed to register as a municipal advisor.
2. On April 27, 2017, the Town sold $4 million water and sewer utility
revenue bonds (“2017 Bonds”), and on September 28, 2018, it sold a $1.8 million
2
refunding bond (refunding two 2015 water and sewer utility revenue bonds)
(“2018 Bonds”) (collectively, the “Bonds”). The Bonds, which were sold in
private placements to investors, were intended to finance development of a water
system for the Town and improvements to its existing sewer system.
3. As required by Louisiana law, the Town applied to the Louisiana State
Bond Commission (“SBC”) for its approval of these bond offerings. The Town’s
applications for the 2017 Bonds and 2018 Bonds were submitted to the SBC on
January 18, 2017 and July 18, 2018, respectively.
4. In support of each application, the Town submitted false financial
projections about the anticipated revenue of the Town’s sewer system. Vern A.
Breland, then the Mayor of the Town, actively participated in and approved the
false projections, which were created by the Town’s municipal adviser, Twin
Spires, through its owner and sole employee, Fletcher, and misled the SBC as to
the Town’s ability to cover its debt service for the proposed bonds. Investors in the
2017 Bonds and 2018 Bonds were not informed that the Town had obtained SBC
approval of the Bonds based on false projections.
5. Twin Spires and Fletcher also provided municipal advisory services to
the Town between 2015 and 2018 without being properly registered with the SEC.
6. As a result of this conduct, the Defendants violated Sections 17(a)(1)
and 17(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933 (“Securities Act”); Sections 10(b) and
3
15B(c)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”) and Rule 10b-
5 thereunder; Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (“MSRB”) Rules G-17and
G-42, and aided and abetted Sterlington’s violations of Section 17(a)(2) of the
Securities Act; and, Twin Spires violated, and Fletcher aided and abetted its
violations of, Section 15B(a)(1)(B) of the Exchange Act.
DEFENDANTS
7. Aaron B. Fletcher (“Fletcher”) is a resident of Frisco, TX. He
wholly owns Twin Spires and is its sole employee and director.
8. Twin Spires Financial LLC (“Twin Spires”) is a Texas company
formed in July 2015, with its principal place of business in Frisco, TX. During the
relevant period, Twin Spires conducted business as a municipal advisor but was
not registered with the Commission.
OTHER RELEVANT INDIVIDUAL AND ENTITY
9. Vern A. Breland, age 59, is a resident of Columbia, Louisiana.
Breland was elected as the Town’s Mayor in 2006 and resigned from office on
October 1, 2018. On August 7, 2020, a Louisiana grand jury charged Breland for
“malfeasance in office (a felony) between the dates of January 1
st
, 2017 and
including September 30, 2018, willfully and unlawfully perform, refuse or fail to
perform his duty as a public officer, contrary to the provisions of R.S. 14:134.”
4
The charge is based on the Town’s misuse of bond proceeds directed by Breland
and the case is still pending.
10. Sterlington, Louisiana is a town with a current population of
approximately 2,600 citizens located in the central northeastern part of the State of
Louisiana. It is governed by an elected mayor and a five member board of aldermen.
JURISDICTION AND VENUE
11. The SEC brings this action pursuant to authority conferred upon it by
Sections 20(b) and 20(d) of the Securities Act [15 U.S.C. §§ 77t(b) and 77t(d)] and
Sections 21(d) and 21(e) of the Exchange Act [15 U.S.C. §§ 78u(d) and 78(u)(e)].
12. This Court has jurisdiction over this action pursuant to Section 22(a)
of the Securities Act [15 U.S.C. § 77v(a)] and Sections 21(d), 21(e), and 27 of the
Exchange Act [15 U.S.C. §§ 78u(d), 78u(e), and 78aa].
13. Venue is proper in this District, because Sterlington is located within
this District and the acts constituting violations of the federal securities laws
alleged in this Complaint occurred within this District.
14. In connection with the conduct described in this Complaint,
Defendants directly or indirectly made use of the mails, the means and
instrumentalities of interstate commerce, or the means or instruments of
transportation or communication in interstate commerce.
5
FACTUAL ALLEGATIONS
Sterlington Issued 2017 and 2018 Municipal Bonds to Finance
Its Sewer and Water Projects
15. Beginning in or about 2015, Breland and the Town began municipal
projects to upgrade the Town’s existing sewer system, purchase the water
distribution system for its residents from a third-party entity (which owned and
operated it since 1965), and build a water treatment facility.
16. To fund these projects, Breland and the Town decided to pursue
municipal bond offerings to raise the necessary funds. In June 2015, Breland
executed a financial advisory agreement between the Town and Twin Spires
pursuant to which Twin Spires agreed to provide, among other municipal advisory
services for the Town, advice on various forms of debt financing.
17. In April 2017, the Town sold the 2017 Bonds ($4 million Utility
Revenue Bonds, which included $3.5 million Utility Revenue Bonds, Series 2017A
(Tax Exempt) and $500,000 Taxable Utility Revenue Bonds, Series 2017B). In
September 2018, the Town sold the 2018 Bonds ($1.845 million of Wastewater,
Water and Sewer Treatment Utilities Revenue Bonds, Series 2018).
Overstatement of Sewer Customer and Revenue Projections
In Application to Louisiana State Bond Commission
18. Prior to issuing municipal bonds or incurring any form of debt,
Sterlington was required, by the Louisiana Constitution and state law, to obtain
6
approval of the SBC. As part of the approval process, the SBC requires the
applicant to demonstrate the debt service coverage ratio (“DSCR”) for all its
outstanding debt (including the proposed debt incurrence) would be at least 1.0 in
the year of the highest annual future debt service payment based on projected net
income for the next full year subsequent to submission of the application. DSCR is
a ratio of net operating income to debt service obligations.
19. In both 2017 and 2018, the Town submitted an application to the
SBC supported by, among other items, sewer and water system revenue and
expense projections for the next full year, and expected aggregate debt service
payments for all outstanding debt secured by sewer and water system revenues
(including the proposed bond issuance), which were utilized to calculate the
Town’s DSCR.
20. The financial projections provided to the SBC included detailed
estimates of the Town’s revenue and operating expenses for both the sewer and
water systems on an annual basis, and annual expected debt service payments for
all the Town’s outstanding debt, including the proposed offering. The projections
included two prior fiscal years and the current fiscal year of the SBC application
and each fiscal year thereafter through the maturity dates of outstanding debt and
the proposed offering.
7
21. The financial projections prepared by Twin Spires, Fletcher and
Breland, and submitted by the Town to the SBC for approval of the 2017 Bonds,
were false and misleading. As discussed below, the projections included an
intentionally overstated sewer revenue projection for 2018. The overstated sewer
revenue projection allowed Sterlington to falsely exceed a DSCR of 1.0 and obtain
SBC approval for the proposed 2017 Bonds.
22. Breland, Fletcher and Twin Spires fraudulently projected that the
Town would have 2,040 sewer customers in 2018 (and sewer system revenue of
$864,693). They were aware that the customer projection was more than double
Sterlington’s then-actual sewer customer number of 960 in 2016 (a 113%
increase).
23. Breland, Twin Spires and Fletcher fraudulently projected an
overstated 2018 sewer customer number of 2040 to reach the sewer revenue
required to meet a DSCR of 1.0. As a result of the overstated projected customer
number, the Town’s application falsely showed a projected DSCR of 1.02.
Fletcher had no reasonable basis or support for his projection.
24. Breland and Fletcher also took steps to mask the false 2018
projection. They increased the stated number of customers for 2016 and 2017.
Those inflated numbers were presented to SBC as actual amounts provided for
historical purposes in an attempt to smooth out the year-to-year trend of sewer
8
customers so that Fletcher’s extremely high 2018 sewer customer projection would
appear more realistic. For example, Fletcher’s financial projections in the SBC
application represented that the Town had 1,574 sewer customers for 2016. The
Town’s December 2016 sewer records (the last full month prior to SBC application
date of January 2017) showed that the Town actually billed only 960 sewer
customers.
25. Fletcher (and Twin Spires through Fletcher),and Breland were aware
of the actual historical sewer customer numbers because the Town’s sewer clerk
repeatedly provided them with the actual number of customers and provided them
with reports showing the accurate number of customers. Breland participated in,
reviewed and approved Fletcher’s projections, which both Fletcher and Breland
knew were false.
26. On February 16, 2017, the SBC approved the Town’s 2017 bond
offering. The SBC relies on the municipal issuer and its professionals to provide
accurate and complete information. The SBC was not aware that the DSCR was
based on false and misleading projections and had it been so aware, it would not
have approved the issuance of the 2017 Bonds.
27. In a private placement on April 27, 2017, the Town sold the 2017
Bonds to two banks and a state lending authority; the total issuance was $4 million.
Twin Spires was paid $18,000 in advisory fees from the 2017 Bond offering.
9
28. On July 18, 2018, the Town submitted another SBC application based
on similar projections for approval of the 2018 Bonds ($1.8 million Wastewater,
Water and Sewer Treatment Utilities Revenue Bonds) to refund a 2015 bond
issuance. The 2015 Bonds that were to be refunded were Series A and B, Water
Treatment and Utilities Revenue Bond ($500,000) and Wastewater and Sewer
Treatment Utilities Revenue Bond ($1.2M) (“2015 Bonds”).
29. The SBC application for the 2018 Bonds was initially prepared by
Twin Spires and Fletcher. As with the 2017 application, the 2018 application was
reviewed and approved by Breland. Twin Spires, Fletcher and Breland were aware
that the 2018 application included an overstated sewer system revenue projection
similar to the application for the 2017 Bonds.
30. Twin Spires, Fletcher and Breland were aware that the 2018
application fraudulently projected, among other items, that Sterlington would have
2,204 sewer customers for 2019 (now the relevant year for the DSCR calculation).
This amount, without any support or justification for the increase, was significantly
higher than the Town’s 1,076 actual sewer customers as of June 30, 2018.
31. The false and misleading projection caused the Town to overstate its
2019 projected sewer system revenue. The false projection resulted in a DSCR of
1.1, over the 1.0 necessary for SBC approval. Without the overstated sewer
10
revenue, the DSCR would have been well below 1.0, and the bond issuance would
not have received the necessary SBC approval.
32. On August 16, 2018, the SBC approved the bond offering. On
September 28, 2018, the Town privately placed the 2018 Bonds with a single bank
investor. Twin Spires was paid $8,303 in advisory fees from the 2018 Bond
offering.
Defendants, Breland and Sterlington Did Not Disclose that the SBC
Approvals Were Based on Fraudulently Overstated Sewer Revenue
Projections
33. In connection with the sale of the 2017 Bonds and the 2018 Bonds,
each of the investors were informed that Sterlington had, as required by law,
obtained SBC approval prior to issuing the Bonds. As part of their process for
soliciting investors to purchase the 2017 Bonds, Breland, through Twin Spires and
Fletcher, sent one of the 2017 Bond investors a copy of the SBC application, which
had been submitted by the Town for the 2017 Bonds. And , in connection with
soliciting investor interest in the 2018 Bonds, Breland, through Twin Spires and
Fletcher, sent the 2018 Bond investor a copy of the 2018 Bond SBC application
and affirmatively told the 2018 Bond investor in an email that the “refunding was
approved by Bond Commission.”
34. In addition, at the closings for both offerings, the Town provided each
investor with a copy of the SBC approval certificate, representing that the SBC had
11
approved the Bonds. For the 2017 Bonds, Breland also provided a certification
that the Bonds were “authorized by and issued in conformity with the requirements
of the Constitution and statutes of the State of Louisiana.”
35. These communications and representation to investors about SBC
application and SBC approval were misleading because investors were not
informed that the SBC applications contained false information and that the SBC
approvals had been obtained based on fraudulently overstated sewer revenue
projections.
Neither Twin Spires nor Fletcher were Registered
as a Municipal Advisor as Required
36. During the relevant time period, Twin Spires, through Fletcher,
provided advice to Sterlington regarding the issuance of municipal securities
(specifically, the 2017 Bonds and 2018 Bonds).
37. Twin Spires and Fletcher specifically advised the Town regarding:
the development of a financing plan for improving the sewer system and acquiring
and improving the water system; the structure, timing and terms for both the 2017
Bonds and the 2018 Bonds; the preparation of financial projections on behalf of the
Town to the SBC for its authorization for the 2017 Bonds and 2018 Bonds; and the
negotiation of financing terms with the investors in both the 2017 Bonds and 2018
Bonds.
38. Twin Spires failed to register with the Commission as a municipal
12
advisor as required.
FIRST CLAIM FOR RELIEF
Fraud in the Offer or Sale of Securities
Sections 17(a)(1) and 17(a)(3) of the Securities Act
39. The SEC incorporates the allegations in paragraphs 1 through 38 as if
fully set forth herein.
40. By engaging in the acts and conduct alleged herein, Defendants,
directly or indirectly, in the offer or sale of securities, by the use of any means or
instruments of transportation or communication in interstate commerce or by use of
the mails, have:
a. knowingly or with severe recklessness employed a device,
scheme, or artifice to defraud; and
b. knowingly, recklessly, or negligently engaged in a transaction,
practice, or course of business which operated or would operate as a fraud or deceit
upon the purchaser.
41. Defendants violated and, unless restrained and enjoined, will continue
to violate Sections 17(a)(1) and 17(a)(3) of the Securities Act [15 U.S.C. § 77q(a)(1)
and (3)].
13
SECOND CLAIM FOR RELIEF
Fraud in Connection with the Purchase or Sale of Securities
Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 thereunder
42. The SEC incorporates the allegations in paragraphs 1 through 38 as if
fully set forth herein.
43. By engaging in the acts and conduct alleged herein, Defendants,
directly or indirectly, in connection with the purchase or sale of securities, by the
use of any means or instrumentality of interstate commerce, or of the mails or of
any facility of any national securities exchange:
a. employed a device, scheme, or artifice to defraud;
b. made untrue statements of material facts or omitted to state
material facts necessary in order to make the statements made, in light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; and,
c. engaged in an act, practice, or course of business which
operated or would operate as a fraud or deceit upon any person.
44. Defendants knowingly, intentionally, and/or recklessly engaged in the
aforementioned devices, schemes and artifices to defraud, made untrue statements of
material facts and omitted to state material facts, and engaged in fraudulent acts,
practices and courses of business. In engaging in such conduct, the defendants acted
with scienter, that is, with an intent to deceive, manipulate or defraud or with a severe
reckless disregard for the truth.
14
45. Defendants violated and, unless restrained and enjoined, will continue
to violate Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act [15 U.S.C. § 78j(b)] and Rule 10b-5
thereunder [17 C.F.R. § 240.10b-5].
THIRD CLAIM FOR RELIEF
Violations of Section 15B(c)(1) of the Exchange Act by Twin Spires and
Fletcher
(Breach of Fiduciary Duty)
46. Paragraphs 1 through 38 are hereby re-alleged and are incorporated
herein by reference.
47. Pursuant to Section 15B(c)(1) of the Exchange Act, a municipal advisor
and any person associated with a municipal advisor shall be deemed to have a
fiduciary duty to any municipal entity for whom the municipal advisor acts as a
municipal advisor, and no municipal advisor may engage in an act, practice or course
of business that is not consistent with a municipal advisor’s fiduciary duty.
48. By engaging in the conduct alleged above, Defendant Twin Spires acted
as a municipal advisor and Defendant Fletcher acted as a municipal advisor and
person associated with a municipal advisor, as those terms are defined in Sections
15B(e)(4)(A) and 15B(e)(7) of the Exchange Act [15 U.S.C. §§ 78o-4(e)(4) and (7)].
As such, Twin Spires and Fletcher owed a fiduciary duty to Sterlington.
49. Defendants engaged in the acts, practices and courses of business
described above, and breached their fiduciary duty to Sterlington.
15
50. By reason of the foregoing, Defendants violated and, unless enjoined
will continue to violate, Section 15B(c)(1) of the Exchange Act [15 U.S.C. § 78o-
4(c)(1)].
FOURTH CLAIM FOR RELIEF
Violations of Section 15B(a)(1)(B) of the Exchange Act by Twin Spires
(Failure to Register as a Municipal Advisor with the Commission)
51. The SEC incorporates the allegations in paragraphs 1 through 38 as if
fully set forth herein.
52. Defendant Twin Spires provided advice to or on behalf of a
municipal entity or obligated person with respect to the issuance of municipal
securities without first being registered with the Commission as a municipal
advisor.
53. By reason of the foregoing, Defendant Twin Spires violated and,
unless enjoined will continue to violate, Section 15B(a)(1)(B) of the Exchange Act
[15 U.S.C. § 78o-4(a)(1)(B)].
FIFTH CLAIM FOR RELIEF
Violations of MSRB Rule G-17 by Fletcher and Twin Spires
(Engaging in a Deceptive, Dishonest, or Unfair Practice)
54. The SEC incorporates the allegations in paragraphs 1 through 38 as if
fully set forth herein.
16
55. Defendants Fletcher and Twin Spires, in the conduct of their
municipal securities or municipal advisory activities, failed to deal fairly with all
persons and engaged in a deceptive, dishonest, or unfair practice or practices.
56. By reason of the forgoing, Defendants Fletcher and Twin Spires
violated and, unless enjoined will continue to violate, MSRB Rule G-17.
SIXTH CLAIM FOR RELIEF
Violations of MSRB Rule G-42 by Twin Spires and Fletcher
(Breaches of Duties of Non-Solicitor Municipal Advisors)
57. The SEC incorporates the allegations in paragraphs 1 through 38 as if
fully set forth herein.
58. Defendants (i) breached their fiduciary duty, duty of loyalty, or duty
of care to their municipal entity client; (ii) made material misrepresentations and
omissions to the SBC on behalf of their client to obtain approval of the client’s
municipal bond issuances in 2017 and 2018; and, (iii) made material
misrepresentations and omissions to bond investors pertaining to the overstated
financial projections they submitted to the SBC to obtain its approval for the
proper issuance of their client’s 2017 and 2018 bonds in private placement
transactions as to which Defendants provided advice.
59. By reason of the forgoing, Defendants violated and, unless enjoined
will continue to violate, MSRB Rule G-42.
17
SEVENTH CLAIM FOR RELIEF
Violations of Section 15B(c)(1) of the Exchange Act by Defendants
(Acts in Contravention of Any Rule of the MSRB)
60. The SEC incorporates the allegations in paragraphs 1 through 38 as if
fully set forth herein.
61. Defendants violated MSRB Rules G-17 and G-42.
62. Defendants acted in contravention of a rule or rules of the MSRB
while making use of the mails or any means or instrumentality of interstate
commerce to provide advice to or on behalf of a municipal entity or obligated
person with respect to municipal financial products or the issuance of municipal
securities.
63. By reason of the forgoing, Defendants violated and, unless enjoined
will continue to violate, Section 15B(c)(1) of the Exchange Act [15 U.S.C. § 78o-
4(c)(1)].
EIGHTH CLAIM FOR RELIEF
Aiding and Abetting Liability Against Fletcher for
Twin Spires’ Violation of Section 15B(a)(1)(B)
64. The SEC incorporates the allegations in paragraphs 1 through 38 as if
fully set forth herein.
65. By reason of the foregoing, Twin Spires acted as a municipal adviser
without registration and violated Section 15B(a)(1)(B) of the Exchange Act.
18
66. Fletcher was aware of, or recklessly disregarded, that Twin Spires’
conduct was improper and rendered Twin Spires substantial assistance in this
conduct.
67. By reason of the foregoing, Fletcher aided and abetted and, unless
enjoined will continue to aid and abet, violations of Section 15B(a)(1)(B) of the
Exchange Act [15 U.S.C. § 78o-4(a)(1)(B)].
NINTH CLAIM FOR RELIEF
Aiding and Abetting Liability Against Fletcher and
Twin Spires for Sterlington’s Violation of Section 17(a)(2)
68. The SEC incorporates the allegations in paragraphs 1 through 38 as if
fully set forth herein.
69. By the above described conduct, Sterlington, in the offer and sale of
securities described herein, by use of means and instruments of transportation and
communication in interstate commerce and by use of the mails, directly and
indirectly, obtained money and property by means of untrue statements of material
fact and omissions to state material facts necessary in order to make the statements
made, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
70. By reason of the foregoing, Sterlington violated Section 17(a)(2) of
the Exchange Act.
19
71. Fletcher and Twin Spires were aware of, or recklessly disregarded,
that Sterlington’s conduct was improper and rendered Sterlington substantial
assistance in this conduct.
72. By reason of the foregoing, Fletcher and Twin Spires aided and
abetted and, unless enjoined will continue to aid and abet, violations of Section
17(a)(2) of the Exchange Act [15 U.S.C. §77q(a)(2)].
RELIEF REQUESTED
WHEREFORE, the SEC respectfully requests that this Court enter a
judgment:
I.
Permanently enjoining, pursuant to Rule 65(d) of the Federal Rules of Civil
Procedure, the Defendants from violating, directly or indirectly, Section 17(a) of
the Securities Act [15 U.S.C. § 77q(a)]; Sections 10(b) [15 U.S.C. § 78j(b)],
15B(a)(1)(B) [15 U.S.C. § 78o-4(a)(1)(B)] and 15B(c)(1) [15 U.S.C. § 78o-4(c)(1)]
of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 thereunder [17 C.F.R. § 240.10b-5]; and,
Municipal Rulemaking Board Rules G-17 and G-42.
II.
Ordering Defendants, jointly and severally, to pay disgorgement plus
prejudgment interest pursuant to Section 21(d)(5) of the Exchange Act [15 U.S.C. §
78u(d)(5).
20
III.
Ordering Defendants, jointly and severally, to pay a civil penalty pursuant to
Section 20(d) of the Securities Act [15 U.S.C. § 77t(d)] and Section 21(d)(3) of the
Exchange Act [15 U.S.C. § 78u(d)(3)].
IV.
Retaining jurisdiction over this action to implement and carry out the terms of
all orders and decrees that may be entered, or to entertain any suitable application or
motion for additional relief within the jurisdiction of this Court.
V.
Granting such other and further relief as this Court deems just and appropriate.
Dated: June 2 , 2022.
Respectfully submitted,
/s/William P. Hicks
William P. Hicks
Senior Trial Counsel
Georgia Bar No. 351649
[email protected]
M. Graham Loomis
Regional Trial Counsel
Georgia Bar No. 457868
[email protected]
United States Securities and Exchange Commission
950 E. Paces Ferry Road NE
Suite 900
Atlanta, GA 30326
404-842-7600UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE WESTERN DISTRICT OF LOUISIANA
__________________________________________
)
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, )
)
)
Plaintiff, ) Civil Action No.:
)
v. )
)
AARON B. FLETCHER and TWIN SPIRES )
FINANCIAL LLC, )
)
Defendants. )
_________________________________________ _ )
COMPLAINT
Plaintiff United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”)
alleges:
SUMMARY OF ALLEGATIONS
1. This Case involves the use of fraudulent financial projections by an
unregistered municipal adviser, Twin Spires Financial LLC (“Twin Spires”) and its
sole owner and employee, Aaron B. Fletcher (“Fletcher”) (collectively, the
“Defendants”) in connection with issuance of municipal bonds in 2017 and 2018
by their client, the Town of Sterlington, Louisiana (the “Town” or “Sterlington”).
Twin Spires also failed to register as a municipal advisor.
2. On April 27, 2017, the Town sold $4 million water and sewer utility
revenue bonds (“2017 Bonds”), and on September 28, 2018, it sold a $1.8 million
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refunding bond (refunding two 2015 water and sewer utility revenue bonds)
(“2018 Bonds”) (collectively, the “Bonds”). The Bonds, which were sold in
private placements to investors, were intended to finance development of a water
system for the Town and improvements to its existing sewer system.
3. As required by Louisiana law, the Town applied to the Louisiana State
Bond Commission (“SBC”) for its approval of these bond offerings. The Town’s
applications for the 2017 Bonds and 2018 Bonds were submitted to the SBC on
January 18, 2017 and July 18, 2018, respectively.
4. In support of each application, the Town submitted false financial
projections about the anticipated revenue of the Town’s sewer system. Vern A.
Breland, then the Mayor of the Town, actively participated in and approved the
false projections, which were created by the Town’s municipal adviser, Twin
Spires, through its owner and sole employee, Fletcher, and misled the SBC as to
the Town’s ability to cover its debt service for the proposed bonds. Investors in the
2017 Bonds and 2018 Bonds were not informed that the Town had obtained SBC
approval of the Bonds based on false projections.
5. Twin Spires and Fletcher also provided municipal advisory services to
the Town between 2015 and 2018 without being properly registered with the SEC.
6. As a result of this conduct, the Defendants violated Sections 17(a)(1)
and 17(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933 (“Securities Act”); Sections 10(b) and
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15B(c)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”) and Rule 10b-
5 thereunder; Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (“MSRB”) Rules G-17and
G-42, and aided and abetted Sterlington’s violations of Section 17(a)(2) of the
Securities Act; and, Twin Spires violated, and Fletcher aided and abetted its
violations of, Section 15B(a)(1)(B) of the Exchange Act.
DEFENDANTS
7. Aaron B. Fletcher (“Fletcher”) is a resident of Frisco, TX. He
wholly owns Twin Spires and is its sole employee and director.
8. Twin Spires Financial LLC (“Twin Spires”) is a Texas company
formed in July 2015, with its principal place of business in Frisco, TX. During the
relevant period, Twin Spires conducted business as a municipal advisor but was
not registered with the Commission.
OTHER RELEVANT INDIVIDUAL AND ENTITY
9. Vern A. Breland, age 59, is a resident of Columbia, Louisiana.
Breland was elected as the Town’s Mayor in 2006 and resigned from office on
October 1, 2018. On August 7, 2020, a Louisiana grand jury charged Breland for
“malfeasance in office (a felony) between the dates of January 1st, 2017 and
including September 30, 2018, willfully and unlawfully perform, refuse or fail to
perform his duty as a public officer, contrary to the provisions of R.S. 14:134.”
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The charge is based on the Town’s misuse of bond proceeds directed by Breland
and the case is still pending.
10. Sterlington, Louisiana is a town with a current population of
approximately 2,600 citizens located in the central northeastern part of the State of
Louisiana. It is governed by an elected mayor and a five member board of aldermen.
JURISDICTION AND VENUE
11. The SEC brings this action pursuant to authority conferred upon it by
Sections 20(b) and 20(d) of the Securities Act [15 U.S.C. §§ 77t(b) and 77t(d)] and
Sections 21(d) and 21(e) of the Exchange Act [15 U.S.C. §§ 78u(d) and 78(u)(e)].
12. This Court has jurisdiction over this action pursuant to Section 22(a)
of the Securities Act [15 U.S.C. § 77v(a)] and Sections 21(d), 21(e), and 27 of the
Exchange Act [15 U.S.C. §§ 78u(d), 78u(e), and 78aa].
13. Venue is proper in this District, because Sterlington is located within
this District and the acts constituting violations of the federal securities laws
alleged in this Complaint occurred within this District.
14. In connection with the conduct described in this Complaint,
Defendants directly or indirectly made use of the mails, the means and
instrumentalities of interstate commerce, or the means or instruments of
transportation or communication in interstate commerce.
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FACTUAL ALLEGATIONS
Sterlington Issued 2017 and 2018 Municipal Bonds to Finance
Its Sewer and Water Projects
15. Beginning in or about 2015, Breland and the Town began municipal
projects to upgrade the Town’s existing sewer system, purchase the water
distribution system for its residents from a third-party entity (which owned and
operated it since 1965), and build a water treatment facility.
16. To fund these projects, Breland and the Town decided to pursue
municipal bond offerings to raise the necessary funds. In June 2015, Breland
executed a financial advisory agreement between the Town and Twin Spires
pursuant to which Twin Spires agreed to provide, among other municipal advisory
services for the Town, advice on various forms of debt financing.
17. In April 2017, the Town sold the 2017 Bonds ($4 million Utility
Revenue Bonds, which included $3.5 million Utility Revenue Bonds, Series 2017A
(Tax Exempt) and $500,000 Taxable Utility Revenue Bonds, Series 2017B). In
September 2018, the Town sold the 2018 Bonds ($1.845 million of Wastewater,
Water and Sewer Treatment Utilities Revenue Bonds, Series 2018).
Overstatement of Sewer Customer and Revenue Projections
In Application to Louisiana State Bond Commission
18. Prior to issuing municipal bonds or incurring any form of debt,
Sterlington was required, by the Louisiana Constitution and state law, to obtain
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approval of the SBC. As part of the approval process, the SBC requires the
applicant to demonstrate the debt service coverage ratio (“DSCR”) for all its
outstanding debt (including the proposed debt incurrence) would be at least 1.0 in
the year of the highest annual future debt service payment based on projected net
income for the next full year subsequent to submission of the application. DSCR is
a ratio of net operating income to debt service obligations.
19. In both 2017 and 2018, the Town submitted an application to the
SBC supported by, among other items, sewer and water system revenue and
expense projections for the next full year, and expected aggregate debt service
payments for all outstanding debt secured by sewer and water system revenues
(including the proposed bond issuance), which were utilized to calculate the
Town’s DSCR.
20. The financial projections provided to the SBC included detailed
estimates of the Town’s revenue and operating expenses for both the sewer and
water systems on an annual basis, and annual expected debt service payments for
all the Town’s outstanding debt, including the proposed offering. The projections
included two prior fiscal years and the current fiscal year of the SBC application
and each fiscal year thereafter through the maturity dates of outstanding debt and
the proposed offering.
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21. The financial projections prepared by Twin Spires, Fletcher and
Breland, and submitted by the Town to the SBC for approval of the 2017 Bonds,
were false and misleading. As discussed below, the projections included an
intentionally overstated sewer revenue projection for 2018. The overstated sewer
revenue projection allowed Sterlington to falsely exceed a DSCR of 1.0 and obtain
SBC approval for the proposed 2017 Bonds.
22. Breland, Fletcher and Twin Spires fraudulently projected that the
Town would have 2,040 sewer customers in 2018 (and sewer system revenue of
$864,693). They were aware that the customer projection was more than double
Sterlington’s then-actual sewer customer number of 960 in 2016 (a 113%
increase).
23. Breland, Twin Spires and Fletcher fraudulently projected an
overstated 2018 sewer customer number of 2040 to reach the sewer revenue
required to meet a DSCR of 1.0. As a result of the overstated projected customer
number, the Town’s application falsely showed a projected DSCR of 1.02.
Fletcher had no reasonable basis or support for his projection.
24. Breland and Fletcher also took steps to mask the false 2018
projection. They increased the stated number of customers for 2016 and 2017.
Those inflated numbers were presented to SBC as actual amounts provided for
historical purposes in an attempt to smooth out the year-to-year trend of sewer
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customers so that Fletcher’s extremely high 2018 sewer customer projection would
appear more realistic. For example, Fletcher’s financial projections in the SBC
application represented that the Town had 1,574 sewer customers for 2016. The
Town’s December 2016 sewer records (the last full month prior to SBC application
date of January 2017) showed that the Town actually billed only 960 sewer
customers.
25. Fletcher (and Twin Spires through Fletcher),and Breland were aware
of the actual historical sewer customer numbers because the Town’s sewer clerk
repeatedly provided them with the actual number of customers and provided them
with reports showing the accurate number of customers. Breland participated in,
reviewed and approved Fletcher’s projections, which both Fletcher and Breland
knew were false.
26. On February 16, 2017, the SBC approved the Town’s 2017 bond
offering. The SBC relies on the municipal issuer and its professionals to provide
accurate and complete information. The SBC was not aware that the DSCR was
based on false and misleading projections and had it been so aware, it would not
have approved the issuance of the 2017 Bonds.
27. In a private placement on April 27, 2017, the Town sold the 2017
Bonds to two banks and a state lending authority; the total issuance was $4 million.
Twin Spires was paid $18,000 in advisory fees from the 2017 Bond offering.
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28. On July 18, 2018, the Town submitted another SBC application based
on similar projections for approval of the 2018 Bonds ($1.8 million Wastewater,
Water and Sewer Treatment Utilities Revenue Bonds) to refund a 2015 bond
issuance. The 2015 Bonds that were to be refunded were Series A and B, Water
Treatment and Utilities Revenue Bond ($500,000) and Wastewater and Sewer
Treatment Utilities Revenue Bond ($1.2M) (“2015 Bonds”).
29. The SBC application for the 2018 Bonds was initially prepared by
Twin Spires and Fletcher. As with the 2017 application, the 2018 application was
reviewed and approved by Breland. Twin Spires, Fletcher and Breland were aware
that the 2018 application included an overstated sewer system revenue projection
similar to the application for the 2017 Bonds.
30. Twin Spires, Fletcher and Breland were aware that the 2018
application fraudulently projected, among other items, that Sterlington would have
2,204 sewer customers for 2019 (now the relevant year for the DSCR calculation).
This amount, without any support or justification for the increase, was significantly
higher than the Town’s 1,076 actual sewer customers as of June 30, 2018.
31. The false and misleading projection caused the Town to overstate its
2019 projected sewer system revenue. The false projection resulted in a DSCR of
1.1, over the 1.0 necessary for SBC approval. Without the overstated sewer
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revenue, the DSCR would have been well below 1.0, and the bond issuance would
not have received the necessary SBC approval.
32. On August 16, 2018, the SBC approved the bond offering. On
September 28, 2018, the Town privately placed the 2018 Bonds with a single bank
investor. Twin Spires was paid $8,303 in advisory fees from the 2018 Bond
offering.
Defendants, Breland and Sterlington Did Not Disclose that the SBC
Approvals Were Based on Fraudulently Overstated Sewer Revenue
Projections
33. In connection with the sale of the 2017 Bonds and the 2018 Bonds,
each of the investors were informed that Sterlington had, as required by law,
obtained SBC approval prior to issuing the Bonds. As part of their process for
soliciting investors to purchase the 2017 Bonds, Breland, through Twin Spires and
Fletcher, sent one of the 2017 Bond investors a copy of the SBC application, which
had been submitted by the Town for the 2017 Bonds. And , in connection with
soliciting investor interest in the 2018 Bonds, Breland, through Twin Spires and
Fletcher, sent the 2018 Bond investor a copy of the 2018 Bond SBC application
and affirmatively told the 2018 Bond investor in an email that the “refunding was
approved by Bond Commission.”
34. In addition, at the closings for both offerings, the Town provided each
investor with a copy of the SBC approval certificate, representing that the SBC had
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approved the Bonds. For the 2017 Bonds, Breland also provided a certification
that the Bonds were “authorized by and issued in conformity with the requirements
of the Constitution and statutes of the State of Louisiana.”
35. These communications and representation to investors about SBC
application and SBC approval were misleading because investors were not
informed that the SBC applications contained false information and that the SBC
approvals had been obtained based on fraudulently overstated sewer revenue
projections.
Neither Twin Spires nor Fletcher were Registered
as a Municipal Advisor as Required
36. During the relevant time period, Twin Spires, through Fletcher,
provided advice to Sterlington regarding the issuance of municipal securities
(specifically, the 2017 Bonds and 2018 Bonds).
37. Twin Spires and Fletcher specifically advised the Town regarding:
the development of a financing plan for improving the sewer system and acquiring
and improving the water system; the structure, timing and terms for both the 2017
Bonds and the 2018 Bonds; the preparation of financial projections on behalf of the
Town to the SBC for its authorization for the 2017 Bonds and 2018 Bonds; and the
negotiation of financing terms with the investors in both the 2017 Bonds and 2018
Bonds.
38. Twin Spires failed to register with the Commission as a municipal
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advisor as required.
FIRST CLAIM FOR RELIEF
Fraud in the Offer or Sale of Securities
Sections 17(a)(1) and 17(a)(3) of the Securities Act
39. The SEC incorporates the allegations in paragraphs 1 through 38 as if
fully set forth herein.
40. By engaging in the acts and conduct alleged herein, Defendants,
directly or indirectly, in the offer or sale of securities, by the use of any means or
instruments of transportation or communication in interstate commerce or by use of
the mails, have:
a. knowingly or with severe recklessness employed a device,
scheme, or artifice to defraud; and
b. knowingly, recklessly, or negligently engaged in a transaction,
practice, or course of business which operated or would operate as a fraud or deceit
upon the purchaser.
41. Defendants violated and, unless restrained and enjoined, will continue
to violate Sections 17(a)(1) and 17(a)(3) of the Securities Act [15 U.S.C. § 77q(a)(1)
and (3)].
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SECOND CLAIM FOR RELIEF
Fraud in Connection with the Purchase or Sale of Securities
Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 thereunder
42. The SEC incorporates the allegations in paragraphs 1 through 38 as if
fully set forth herein.
43. By engaging in the acts and conduct alleged herein, Defendants,
directly or indirectly, in connection with the purchase or sale of securities, by the
use of any means or instrumentality of interstate commerce, or of the mails or of
any facility of any national securities exchange:
a. employed a device, scheme, or artifice to defraud;
b. made untrue statements of material facts or omitted to state
material facts necessary in order to make the statements made, in light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; and,
c. engaged in an act, practice, or course of business which
operated or would operate as a fraud or deceit upon any person.
44. Defendants knowingly, intentionally, and/or recklessly engaged in the
aforementioned devices, schemes and artifices to defraud, made untrue statements of
material facts and omitted to state material facts, and engaged in fraudulent acts,
practices and courses of business. In engaging in such conduct, the defendants acted
with scienter, that is, with an intent to deceive, manipulate or defraud or with a severe
reckless disregard for the truth.
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45. Defendants violated and, unless restrained and enjoined, will continue
to violate Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act [15 U.S.C. § 78j(b)] and Rule 10b-5
thereunder [17 C.F.R. § 240.10b-5].
THIRD CLAIM FOR RELIEF
Violations of Section 15B(c)(1) of the Exchange Act by Twin Spires and
Fletcher
(Breach of Fiduciary Duty)
46. Paragraphs 1 through 38 are hereby re-alleged and are incorporated
herein by reference.
47. Pursuant to Section 15B(c)(1) of the Exchange Act, a municipal advisor
and any person associated with a municipal advisor shall be deemed to have a
fiduciary duty to any municipal entity for whom the municipal advisor acts as a
municipal advisor, and no municipal advisor may engage in an act, practice or course
of business that is not consistent with a municipal advisor’s fiduciary duty.
48. By engaging in the conduct alleged above, Defendant Twin Spires acted
as a municipal advisor and Defendant Fletcher acted as a municipal advisor and
person associated with a municipal advisor, as those terms are defined in Sections
15B(e)(4)(A) and 15B(e)(7) of the Exchange Act [15 U.S.C. §§ 78o-4(e)(4) and (7)].
As such, Twin Spires and Fletcher owed a fiduciary duty to Sterlington.
49. Defendants engaged in the acts, practices and courses of business
described above, and breached their fiduciary duty to Sterlington.
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50. By reason of the foregoing, Defendants violated and, unless enjoined
will continue to violate, Section 15B(c)(1) of the Exchange Act [15 U.S.C. § 78o-
4(c)(1)].
FOURTH CLAIM FOR RELIEF
Violations of Section 15B(a)(1)(B) of the Exchange Act by Twin Spires
(Failure to Register as a Municipal Advisor with the Commission)
51. The SEC incorporates the allegations in paragraphs 1 through 38 as if
fully set forth herein.
52. Defendant Twin Spires provided advice to or on behalf of a
municipal entity or obligated person with respect to the issuance of municipal
securities without first being registered with the Commission as a municipal
advisor.
53. By reason of the foregoing, Defendant Twin Spires violated and,
unless enjoined will continue to violate, Section 15B(a)(1)(B) of the Exchange Act
[15 U.S.C. § 78o-4(a)(1)(B)].
FIFTH CLAIM FOR RELIEF
Violations of MSRB Rule G-17 by Fletcher and Twin Spires
(Engaging in a Deceptive, Dishonest, or Unfair Practice)
54. The SEC incorporates the allegations in paragraphs 1 through 38 as if
fully set forth herein.
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55. Defendants Fletcher and Twin Spires, in the conduct of their
municipal securities or municipal advisory activities, failed to deal fairly with all
persons and engaged in a deceptive, dishonest, or unfair practice or practices.
56. By reason of the forgoing, Defendants Fletcher and Twin Spires
violated and, unless enjoined will continue to violate, MSRB Rule G-17.
SIXTH CLAIM FOR RELIEF
Violations of MSRB Rule G-42 by Twin Spires and Fletcher
(Breaches of Duties of Non-Solicitor Municipal Advisors)
57. The SEC incorporates the allegations in paragraphs 1 through 38 as if
fully set forth herein.
58. Defendants (i) breached their fiduciary duty, duty of loyalty, or duty
of care to their municipal entity client; (ii) made material misrepresentations and
omissions to the SBC on behalf of their client to obtain approval of the client’s
municipal bond issuances in 2017 and 2018; and, (iii) made material
misrepresentations and omissions to bond investors pertaining to the overstated
financial projections they submitted to the SBC to obtain its approval for the
proper issuance of their client’s 2017 and 2018 bonds in private placement
transactions as to which Defendants provided advice.
59. By reason of the forgoing, Defendants violated and, unless enjoined
will continue to violate, MSRB Rule G-42.
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SEVENTH CLAIM FOR RELIEF
Violations of Section 15B(c)(1) of the Exchange Act by Defendants
(Acts in Contravention of Any Rule of the MSRB)
60. The SEC incorporates the allegations in paragraphs 1 through 38 as if
fully set forth herein.
61. Defendants violated MSRB Rules G-17 and G-42.
62. Defendants acted in contravention of a rule or rules of the MSRB
while making use of the mails or any means or instrumentality of interstate
commerce to provide advice to or on behalf of a municipal entity or obligated
person with respect to municipal financial products or the issuance of municipal
securities.
63. By reason of the forgoing, Defendants violated and, unless enjoined
will continue to violate, Section 15B(c)(1) of the Exchange Act [15 U.S.C. § 78o-
4(c)(1)].
EIGHTH CLAIM FOR RELIEF
Aiding and Abetting Liability Against Fletcher for
Twin Spires’ Violation of Section 15B(a)(1)(B)
64. The SEC incorporates the allegations in paragraphs 1 through 38 as if
fully set forth herein.
65. By reason of the foregoing, Twin Spires acted as a municipal adviser
without registration and violated Section 15B(a)(1)(B) of the Exchange Act.
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66. Fletcher was aware of, or recklessly disregarded, that Twin Spires’
conduct was improper and rendered Twin Spires substantial assistance in this
conduct.
67. By reason of the foregoing, Fletcher aided and abetted and, unless
enjoined will continue to aid and abet, violations of Section 15B(a)(1)(B) of the
Exchange Act [15 U.S.C. § 78o-4(a)(1)(B)].
NINTH CLAIM FOR RELIEF
Aiding and Abetting Liability Against Fletcher and
Twin Spires for Sterlington’s Violation of Section 17(a)(2)
68. The SEC incorporates the allegations in paragraphs 1 through 38 as if
fully set forth herein.
69. By the above described conduct, Sterlington, in the offer and sale of
securities described herein, by use of means and instruments of transportation and
communication in interstate commerce and by use of the mails, directly and
indirectly, obtained money and property by means of untrue statements of material
fact and omissions to state material facts necessary in order to make the statements
made, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
70. By reason of the foregoing, Sterlington violated Section 17(a)(2) of
the Exchange Act.
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71. Fletcher and Twin Spires were aware of, or recklessly disregarded,
that Sterlington’s conduct was improper and rendered Sterlington substantial
assistance in this conduct.
72. By reason of the foregoing, Fletcher and Twin Spires aided and
abetted and, unless enjoined will continue to aid and abet, violations of Section
17(a)(2) of the Exchange Act [15 U.S.C. §77q(a)(2)].
RELIEF REQUESTED
WHEREFORE, the SEC respectfully requests that this Court enter a
judgment:
I.
Permanently enjoining, pursuant to Rule 65(d) of the Federal Rules of Civil
Procedure, the Defendants from violating, directly or indirectly, Section 17(a) of
the Securities Act [15 U.S.C. § 77q(a)]; Sections 10(b) [15 U.S.C. § 78j(b)],
15B(a)(1)(B) [15 U.S.C. § 78o-4(a)(1)(B)] and 15B(c)(1) [15 U.S.C. § 78o-4(c)(1)]
of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 thereunder [17 C.F.R. § 240.10b-5]; and,
Municipal Rulemaking Board Rules G-17 and G-42.
II.
Ordering Defendants, jointly and severally, to pay disgorgement plus
prejudgment interest pursuant to Section 21(d)(5) of the Exchange Act [15 U.S.C. §
78u(d)(5).
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III.
Ordering Defendants, jointly and severally, to pay a civil penalty pursuant to
Section 20(d) of the Securities Act [15 U.S.C. § 77t(d)] and Section 21(d)(3) of the
Exchange Act [15 U.S.C. § 78u(d)(3)].
IV.
Retaining jurisdiction over this action to implement and carry out the terms of
all orders and decrees that may be entered, or to entertain any suitable application or
motion for additional relief within the jurisdiction of this Court.
V.
Granting such other and further relief as this Court deems just and appropriate.
Dated: June 2, 2022.
Respectfully submitted,
/s/William P. Hicks
William P. Hicks
Senior Trial Counsel
Georgia Bar No. 351649
[email protected]
M. Graham Loomis
Regional Trial Counsel
Georgia Bar No. 457868
[email protected]
United States Securities and Exchange Commission
950 E. Paces Ferry Road NE
Suite 900
Atlanta, GA 30326
404-842-7600
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mailto:[email protected]
mailto:[email protected]
mailto:[email protected]