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.
Soreide Law Group is investigating potential claims on behalf of investors who may have incurred losses due to the actions of Patrick Michael Mendenhall (CRD#: 1068809, Houston, Texas). Evidently, Mendenhall works with USCA Securities LLC since April 20, 2010, and with U.S. Capital Wealth Advisors LLC since June 30, 2021. Previously, he worked with USCA Asset Management LLC and USCA RIA LLC in Houston, Texas. Notably, Mendenhall faced multiple allegations from investors. Read on to learn more about those disputes.
Specifically, on October 5, 2023, a USCA Securities LLC client filed a complaint about Patrick Mendenhall. Allegedly, Mendenhall caused losses and missed opportunities related to options and equities that spanned over five years. Mainly, the client pointed to one security initially recommended by USCA, noting that they continued to purchase it even as its price declined. Additionally, the client expressed concerns about missed opportunities in another stock sold as part of a covered call strategy, which later increased in price. Therefore, the client requested $3,500,000 in compensation from USCA Securities LLC or Mendenhall. However, the securities firm denied the complaint.
Also, a USCA Securities LLC client filed Civil Suit: 2019-71563 about Patrick Mendenhall. Namely, the client alleged that Mendenhall made recommendations to purchase and hold a particular security. Because of this, the client allegedly sustained damages. Therefore, on August 10, 2020, USCA Securities LLC settled this matter by paying the client $200,000 in damages.
Evidently, a client of PaineWebber Inc. contested Patrick Mendenhall’s sales practices by filing FINRA Arbitration: 00-03873. The client alleged unauthorized trading, breach of fiduciary duty, excessive trading, negligence, unsuitable advice, and failure to supervise. It appears that Mendenhall's actions caused the client to sustain damages on equities. Therefore, PaineWebber Inc. opted to settle the matter on September 11, 2001, by compensating the client in the amount of $650,000.
Did you experience losses because of Patrick Mendenhall? If so, reach out to Soreide Law Group online or at (888) 760-6552 and talk with a securities attorney concerning a potential recovery of your investment losses. Soreide Law Group has successfully recovered losses for investors across the United States, operating on a contingency fee basis and advancing all costs. Mendenhall and the brokerage firms he worked with, such as USCA Securities LLC, 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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