The investor rights attorneys at Chapman LLC are investigating the activities of registered general securities representative Barbara Bottoms (aka Barbara Alvarez, Barbara Messer, and Barbara Smith; CRD# 1344956), formerly associated with Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC (Wells Fargo) based in Fairbanks, Alaska. Our attorneys are currently available and can be reached toll free at 877-410-8172.
On August 20, 2016, Bottoms entered into a Letter of Acceptance, Waiver and Consent (AWC) with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority Department of Enforcement to resolve allegations FINRA made against her regarding violations of securities industry rules. According to allegations in the AWC, Bottoms executed unauthorized trades in 73 customer accounts and caused Wells Fargo to maintain inaccurate records by “incorrectly designating each of the unauthorized transactions as unsolicited.” These allegations are in violation of FINRA Rules 2010 and 4511. Additionally, FINRA Department of Enforcement alleges that Bottoms took spreadsheets containing private customer information from the Wells Fargo office and kept the records in an unsecure location in her home, in violation of FINRA Rule 2010. Finally, it was alleged that Bottoms failed to appear for on-the-record testimony, in violation of FINRA Rules 8210 and 2010.
By signing this AWC, Bottoms consented, without admitting or denying the allegations made against her by FINRA, to a two-year suspension from associating with any FINRA member firm in any capacity and a $17,500 fine.
If you invested with Barbara Bottoms and suffered significant losses as a result of any conduct you believe to have been improper, you may be entitled to a recovery by filing claims in FINRA Arbitration against the brokerage firm responsible for supervising your advisor. If you would like a free, no obligation, initial consultation regarding your potential claims, please call our office today at 877-410-8172 to speak with an attorney experienced in representing investors in FINRA arbitration proceedings.