Clinton Greyling, the former president of a now-defunct investment firm in Florida, has been sentenced for his involvement in an unregistered broker scheme. U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns sentenced Greyling to one year of probation and mandated 200 hours of community service. Additionally, he must forfeit $229,576.
In August 2024, Greyling admitted guilt to aiding and abetting an unregistered broker, following charges filed on July 30, 2024. His company, Trends Investments, Inc., sold securities of emerging public companies involved in mergers from February 2017 to June 2019.
Greyling promoted these companies as entering new business lines such as therapeutic cannabinoids and blockchain technology. A former registered broker was engaged by Trends to solicit investors under false pretenses as a legitimate broker and wealth manager. The broker received an undisclosed commission of about 40 percent—more than $800,000 on sales exceeding $1.9 million—despite lacking registration with the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission.
The securities did not deliver the promised returns; customers could neither deposit nor trade them effectively, rendering them worthless.
The case was announced by United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Boston Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney James R. Drabick handled prosecution.