by John Darer CLU ChFC MSSC CeFT RSP CLTC
Final Judgment was entered in SEC Lawsuit vs Synergy Settlement Services, Jason D. Lazarus and Anthony F. Prieto, Jr
The SEC action against Synergy Lazarus and Prieto had been pending since May 2022. 
Pursuant to the Court’s Order filed on March 8, 2024, judgment was entered in favor of Plaintiff, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, and against Defendants, Synergy Settlement Services, Inc., Jason D. Lazarus, and Anthony F. Prieto, Jr., as follows:
Synergy to Pay SEC Net Profits Gained, Prejudgment Interest and a Civil Penalty
“Defendant Synergy Settlement Services, Inc. shall pay to the SEC
$43,743.68 for net profits gained as a result of the conduct alleged in this
case, along with $3,772.39 in prejudgment interest, and $400,000.00 as a
civil penalty pursuant to 15 U.S.C. §§ 77t(d), 78u(d), 80b-9(e). Such
payment shall be made in four installment payments as follows:
a. $147,516.07 no later than the close of business on the third day
after entry of this Order and Final Judgment.
b. $100,000.00 on or before January 15, 2024;
c. $100,000.00 on or before February 15, 2024;
d. $100,000.00 on or before March 15, 2024″.
Jason D. Lazarus to Pay Civil Penalty
“Defendant Jason D. Lazarus shall pay to the SEC a civil penalty in sum
of $95,000.00 pursuant to 15 U.S.C. §§ 77t(d), 78u(d), 80b-9(e). Such sum
shall be paid in full no later than the close of business on the third day
after entry of this Order and Final Judgment in accordance with the terms
set forth herein”.
Anthony F. Prieto, Jr. to Pay Civil Penalty
“Defendant Anthony F. Prieto, Jr. shall pay to the SEC a civil penalty in
sum of $85,000.00 pursuant to 15 U.S.C. §§ 77t(d), 78u(d), 80b-9(e). Such
sum shall be paid in full no later than the close of business on the third day
after entry of this Order and Final Judgment in accordance with the terms
set forth herein”.
Lazarus and Prieto Admitted Allegations in Amended Complaint Are True
“Solely for purposes of exceptions to discharge set forth in 11 U.S.C. §
523, the allegations in the Amended Complaint are true and admitted by
Defendants Lazarus and Prieto”,
Synergy Consent
Lazarus Consent
Anthony Prieto Consent
“and further, any debt for disgorgement,
prejudgment interest, civil penalty or other amounts due by Defendants
under this Order and Final Judgment or any other judgment, order,
consent order, decree or settlement agreement entered in connection with
this proceeding, is a debt for the violation by Defendants of the federal
securities laws or any regulation or order issued under such laws, as set
forth in 11 U.S.C. § 523(a)(19).
The Court retains jurisdiction over this matter for the purpose of
enforcing the terms of this Order and Final Judgment”.
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION,
Plaintiff,
v.
SYNERGY SETTLEMENT SERVICES,
INC.; FOUNDATION FOR THOSE WITH
SPECIAL NEEDS, INC.; SPECIAL
NEEDS LAW FIRM PLLC; JASON D.
LAZARUS; and ANTHONY F. PRIETO,
JR.,
Defendants.
Case No. 6:22-cv-820-WWB-DCI
PLAINTIFF SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION’S
UNOPPOSED MOTION TO DISMISS
SEC Files Fraud Charges For Misappropriating Special Needs Funds (natlawreview.com)
ANTHONY FRANK PRIETO JR – Investment Adviser (sec.gov)
Image ID 37903165 © Pichetw | Dreamstime.com
Meme © 4structures.com LLC