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.
One or more investors apparently complained about securities broker Michael Lee Chauvenet (also known as Mike Chauvenet) [CRD: 1229930, Frisco, Texas], based on publicly available information reported on FINRA BrokerCheck. Michael Chauvenet has worked with Centaurus Financial Inc. since April 25, 2011. Keep reading to learn more about the allegations investors have raised against this securities broker.
Notably, on March 27, 2025, a Centaurus Financial Inc. client filed FINRA Arbitration No. 25-00573 about Michael Chauvenet. Allegedly, Chauvenet gave unsuitable advice about investments between 2013 and 2023. Because of this, the investor supposedly sustained damages on illiquid real estate securities. Consequently, the client requested $1,500,000.00 in compensation from Centaurus Financial or Chauvenet. It appears that this arbitration is ongoing.
When a securities broker or financial advisor gives unsuitable advice about non-traded real estate investment trusts (REITs), it generally means they may have recommended complex, illiquid products that were not a good match for the investor's financial goals, experience, or risk tolerance. Non-traded REITs can tie up an investor’s money for years and may lack transparency, making them inappropriate for those needing liquidity or low-risk investments. Brokers are obligated to ensure their recommendations are suitable, and failure to do so can lead to significant investor losses.
Did you experience losses because of Michael Chauvenet? If so, you should contact Soreide Law Group online or at (888) 760-6552 and speak to a securities attorney regarding a possible recovery of your losses. Soreide Law Group has recovered losses for investors throughout the country. Also, the firm takes cases on a contingency fee basis and advances all costs. Chauvenet and the firms Chauvenet worked for deny accusations 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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