Cincinnati resident sentenced for securities fraud, theft charges

John Torok was sentenced last week by Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas Judge Terry Nestor to 18 months of community control with a suspended 18-month prison sentence and ordered to pay $152,500 in restitution in addition to court costs.
 
Torok, 70, pleaded guilty to one count of theft and one count of securities fraud, both fourth-degree felonies. He took money from a California resident to invest in stocks and bonds, and after misappropriation, continued to issue false statements showing fictitious amounts.
 
The indictment followed a criminal referral by the Ohio Division of Securities. This case is being prosecuted by the Office of Hamilton County Prosecutor Melissa Powers.

Before investing, the Division of Securities encourages potential investors to call the Division’s Investor Protection Hotline at 877-683-7841 to ask:

• Is the securities professional, platform, or firm properly licensed in Ohio?

• Is the security being promoted by the firm, platform, or individual registered for sale in Ohio?

• Are there any enforcement actions involving the firm, platform, professional or security being promoted?