Ernesto Chavez (CRD: 4315877) faces a new pending claim on BrokerCheck over an investment made in 2018. The customer alleges $180,000 in damages, and no arbitrator has ruled on the claim.
Investors potentially experienced sales practice violations due to securities broker Kelley Susan Slaught (also known as Kelley Smith) [CRD: 1126586, Santa Barbara, California], according to disclosures on FINRA BrokerCheck. It appears that Slaught joined Centaurus Financial Inc. on November 21, 2012, as a securities broker and on January 9, 2013, as a financial advisor. Below, you can learn more about Slaught’s disclosures and pending legal matters involving client allegations.
Notably, on April 1, 2025, a Centaurus Financial Inc. client filed FINRA Arbitration No. 25-00615 about Kelley Slaught. The client alleged that Slaught made unsuitable recommendations, misrepresented investments containing high risks, and failed to diversify the investor’s portfolio. As a result, the client allegedly sustained damages relating to real estate securities (REITs). Therefore, the client requested $100,000 in compensation from Centaurus or Slaught. Evidently, this arbitration is pending a resolution.
Notably, a client of Centaurus Financial Inc. disputed Kelley Slaught’s sales practices by filing FINRA Arbitration No. 24-00495. Allegedly, Slaught made unsuitable recommendations and breached her fiduciary duty. The client alleged damages relating to illiquid and risky corporate bonds. Consequently, Centaurus opted to settle the matter on April 10, 2024, by compensating the client in the amount of $22,000.
Do you have concerns or questions regarding investments involving Kelley Slaught? If so, contact Soreide Law Group online or at (888) 760-6552 and talk with a securities lawyer. Soreide Law Group has recovered losses for investors throughout the USA. Also, the firm works on a contingency fee basis and advances the costs. Slaught and brokerage firms Slaught worked for deny allegations of sales practice violations.
Ernesto Chavez (CRD: 4315877) faces a new pending claim on BrokerCheck over an investment made in 2018. The customer alleges $180,000 in damages, and no arbitrator has ruled on the claim.
William Tunink (CRD: 2738224) settled a customer claim for $299,000 on August 11, 2026, according to his BrokerCheck report. The customer alleged that he obtained loans from the customer, and that some of the money went into an investment.
Tony Barouti (CRD: 3031995) faces a pending $230,400 customer claim, according to his BrokerCheck report. He says the allegations in it are false. His report also lists SEC administrative and cease-and-desist proceedings from August 2025.
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