Equilus Group Inc. $39M Real Estate Ponzi Scheme Summary Order and Charges

Equilus Group, Inc.; Equilus Capital Partners, LLC; Joel Richard Frank; Cheney Park Commons I, LLC; Cheney Park Commons II, LLC; OldTown Commons, LLC; 1421 Meadow Wood, DST; ECP Opportunities Fund I, LP – Summary Order and Statement of Charges – S-24-3878-26-TO01

Case summary

On April 10, 2026, the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions Division of Securities entered a Summary Order and Statement of Charges (S-24-3878-26-TO01) against Equilus Group, Inc.; Equilus Capital Partners, LLC; Joel Richard Frank; Cheney Park Commons I, LLC; Cheney Park Commons II, LLC; OldTown Commons, LLC; 1421 Meadow Wood, DST; ECP Opportunities Fund I, LP.

Order details

Order File: S-24-3878-26-TO01

Laws & Rules: RCW 21.20.140, RCW 21.20.040, RCW 21.20.010, RCW 21.20.020, RCW 21.20.350, WAC 460-24A-050, WAC 460-24A-105, WAC 460-24A-107, RCW 21.20.702, WAC 460-24A-110

Penalties/Remedies:

Summarily ordered:

• Suspension of registrations;

• To cease and desist
  Intent to order:

• Revocation of registrations;

• Deny future registrations;

• Revocation of exemptions;

• Disgorgement;

• Fines & costs

Allegations

• Between at least April 2017 and October 2025, the Respondents offered and sold more than $39 million worth of interests in real estate funds that they managed.
• In connection with these fund offerings, one or more of the Respondents misappropriated fund money, made Ponzi-like payments to investors, created false account statements, made material misrepresentations to investors, sold unregistered and non-exempt securities, operated as an unregistered broker-dealer, submitted false filings to the Division, violated fiduciary duties, and failed to adhere to custody requirements. The Respondents have a right to request a hearing on the Summary Order and Statement of Charges.

Order file

View order file