Investor Alert: Social Media Investment Scams on Meta Platforms

New York Attorney General Letitia James issued an investor alert warning New Yorkers about fraudulent investment schemes on Meta platforms (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp). The alert describes pump and dump scams, confidence scams, and cryptocurrency fraud using deepfake technology and unauthorized celebrity endorsements. The AG urges investors to scrutinize social media investment ads and report suspicious activity.

Securities Enforcement Summary Judgment Decision

Wyoming District Court granted summary judgment in a securities enforcement case brought by the Secretary of State's office. The decision represents a successful outcome in the state's securities enforcement efforts. Specific details about the case parties, violations, or monetary amounts are not included in the available document.

People v. Deen - Death Penalty Appeal

The California Supreme Court registered an automatic appeal (Case No. S092615) filed by defendant Omar Richard Deen from a judgment of death. The case was submitted and is pending court opinion.

SEC v. Mbunu - Securities Enforcement Case Dismissal

The Virginia State Corporation Commission entered a Final Order dismissing Case No. SEC-2024-00017 against Frankline Mbunu and Dedicated Frank Services, LLC. The defendants fulfilled all requirements of a prior Settlement Order entered August 1, 2024. The dismissal does not affect any duty to disclose or any other obligations.

JKI Co. d/b/a Donutchew - Franchise Registration Violation Settlement

The Virginia State Corporation Commission accepted a settlement with JKI Company, Inc. d/b/a Donutchew for violations of the Virginia Retail Franchising Act. The company sold two franchises in Virginia without proper registration and failed to provide required disclosure documents. Donutchew will pay a $2,000 civil penalty and $1,000 in investigation costs. The settlement requires payment within specified deadlines and future compliance with franchise registration requirements.

UNLOCKD Inc Crypto Mining Securities Fraud Enforcement

Virginia State Corporation Commission Securities Division filed enforcement action Case No. SEC-2022-00032 against UNLOCKD, Inc. (formerly Capital Holdings, Inc.) and individuals Spencer Payne, Andrew Karras, and John Allen for securities fraud related to crypto mining operations. The Division alleges respondents made false misrepresentations to at least 30-47 investors about the company's mining business between August-December 2022, resulting in OTC stock sales. The Division requests civil penalties, permanent bars from securities offerings in Virginia, and additional remedies.

Virginia SCC v. Tribble - Unregistered Advisory and Material Fraud

The Virginia SCC Division of Securities and Retail Franchising filed a Show Cause order (Case No. SEC-2024-00046) against William Tribble on December 5, 2025, alleging he operated an unregistered investment advisory business from 2020-2021, falsely claiming affiliation with the Han-Allen Hedge Fund that was never formally established. The Division seeks civil penalties, restitution, and a permanent bar from acting as an advisor in Virginia.

Virginia SCC Dismisses Raymond James Securities Enforcement Case After Settlement Compliance

Virginia SCC issued a final dismissal order for Case No. SEC-2024-00004 against Raymond James & Associates, Inc. and Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. The dismissal follows the Commission's September 26, 2025 Order Approving Settlement Agreement, finding that defendants have fulfilled all settlement requirements. The order preserves existing disclosure obligations and does not affect any final duties arising from the matter.

Wyoming DEQ Grant Proposals for NOx Emissions Reduction

The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (WY DEQ) announced the opening of a competitive grant application period for NOx emissions reduction projects. DEQ will allocate $1,500,000 in Volkswagen Settlement Funds to eligible applicants whose projects reduce nitrogen oxide emissions from vehicles under the state's VW Mitigation Plan. Applications must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. October 31, 2025.

DEQ recommends well testing for Saratoga area private owners

The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (WY DEQ), Water Quality Division, issued a public health advisory recommending private well owners in the greater Saratoga area test their wells for arsenic. Elevated arsenic levels (24-32 μg/L) were detected in the Cow Creek Station Subdivision, exceeding the EPA Maximum Contaminant Level of 10 μg/L. Private well owners are responsible for testing and treating their own water since private wells are not regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act.