A Dayton couple finds themselves in the spotlight once again, as the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas has initiated a receivership for Wayne T. Essex, his wife Susan Essex, and their network of businesses. This move, as reported by the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Securities, aims to secure a return of assets to investors affected by what is alleged to be fraudulent activity and misuse of funds.
The court's decision arrives on the heels of the Division of Securities' claims of misconduct by the Essexes—allegedly selling unregistered, non-exempt securities and directing investor money to personal extravagances instead of promised real estate investments. According to the Division of Securities, the couple had already faced similar accusations over a decade earlier, resulting in a permanent injunction in 2012, which they seem to have sidestepped.
The Division's current complaint names several companies, including Essex & Associates Inc., Salty Seas Siesta LLC, Opportunity Zone Investment Fund Inc., Fin Tech Group Inc., Trinity Accounting Services Inc., and Blue Sail Investments Inc. They have linked these entities to the sales exceeding $4.2 million in unauthorized securities to at least 16 investors, as noted in the Division's statement.
Clients caught up in the dealings with Essex and Associates are advised to contact the appointed receiver, Mark Dottore, for questions related to ongoing services or the Division of Securities for assistance with their investments. Mr. Dottore can be reached at 216-771-0727 or via email at [email protected]. Similarly, any impacted investors can contact the Division of Securities at 614-644-7381 for support, as suggested by the Division of Securities.
