Last Updated: February 2025, Roanoke, VA
Here’s what you need to know about Roanoke, VA, former stockbroker Robert J. Earls Jr., who committed suicide in February 2024:
- Name: Mr. Robert Joseph Earls Jr.
- CRD Number: 1369915
- Current Status: Deceased
- Prior Employers:
- LPL Financial LLC (June 2011 – February 2024)
- UVEST Investment Services (December 2000 – January 2001)
- Royal Alliance Associates, Inc. (July 2000 – December 2000)
- One Valley Securities Corporation (November 1998 – July 2000)
- Davenport & Company LLC (June 1995 – December 1997)
- Travelers Equities Sales, Inc. (December 1988 – December 1991)
- Equico Securities, Inc. (September 1985 – April 1987)
- Function: Stockbroker / Financial Advisor
- Primary Location: Roanoke, VA
- DBA: Southern Investment Strategies
- Can Robert Earls Jr. former firm be sued in FINRA arbitration? Yes
- Highest Settlement or Award: $1,300,000.00
- Pending Customer Dispute Seeks Damages of: $1,100,000.00
If you’ve sustained damages from Mr. Earls, discuss your case with experienced investment fraud lawyer Bob Rex at (877) 224-3199 for a free consultation.
The Roanoke Times Reports Robert Earls Committed Suicide in February 2024
The Roanoke Times reports that Robert Earls fatally shot himself in a restroom of a Salem hospital on February 7, 2024, shortly after one of his customers discovered money missing from his brokerage account and demanded to see documentation. According to litigation filed by the victims, Earls convinced them to liquidate their account at LPL Financial and transfer the funds to Southern Investment Strategies, a company owned by Earls. In a suicide note discovered by authorities, Earls admitted to theft of the funds.
Did You Lose Money With Robert Earls Jr. As Your Stockbroker?
Several customer disputes and a Department of Justice investigation have been reported involving Robert Earls Jr.:
- Case #24-00577, filed on March 14, 2024, alleges misappropriation of funds totaling $1,100,000.00 over a period between June 2010 and February 2023. This matter is pending in FINRA arbitration.
- Case #24-00611, filed on March 18, 2024, alleges an unsuitable real estate security investment made in 2014, with damages above $5,000.00. This case remains pending.
- A Department of Justice investigation was initiated on February 28, 2024, regarding allegations of misappropriation of funds in customer accounts. This investigation is ongoing.
- Details of Cases that have been Settled:
- $1,300,000 paid by LPL Finanial on September 19, 2024, to a customer alleging misappropriation of funds from 2015 through 2024.
- $21,139 settlement on March 22, 2024, for failure to follow instructions to sell stock shares.
Allegations of Broker Misconduct Against Robert Earls Jr.
Customers of Robert Earls Jr. have alleged the following misconduct in connection with their investments:
- Misappropriation of Funds: Multiple cases allege that Mr. Earls misappropriated client funds over several years, a violation of FINRA Rule 2010, which mandates high standards of commercial honor and just principles of trade.
- Unsuitable Investment Recommendations: One pending dispute involves unsuitable investments in real estate securities, potentially violating FINRA Rule 2111, which governs the suitability of broker recommendations.
- Failure to Follow Instructions: A customer complaint settled for $21,139 involved the broker’s failure to follow instructions to sell stock shares.
Recover Your Investment Losses Now With Rex Securities Law
Investigation of LPL Financial and LPL Brokers-Lawsuits, Arbitrations & Customer Disputes
If you have suffered investment losses in an account handled by Robert J. Earls Jr., contact us for a complimentary consultation with an experienced securities lawyer to learn how you may be able to recover damages from his employing broker dealer through FINRA arbitration.
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) is the agency that licenses and regulates stockbrokers and brokerage firms. FINRA requires brokers and brokerage firms to report customer complaints and disputes as well as regulatory sanctions. In addition brokers are required to disclose certain financial matters such as personal bankruptcies, judgments and liens.
With offices in Boca Raton, FL, and Austin, TX, stockbroker fraud attorney Bob Rex provides representation to investors nationwide who are seeking recovery of investment losses due to the negligence or fraud of stockbrokers, financial advisors, and broker-dealers.
If you have questions about how your account has been handled, call (877) 224-3199 to speak with an experienced securities attorney at no cost to you.
Most cases are handled on a contingent fee basis, meaning that you do not pay legal fees unless we are successful.