Investigation Alert: Howard Roth of David Lerner Associates Faces Energy Investment Complaint
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Haselkorn & Thibaut has opened an investigation into Howard Roth (CRD# 867754), a financial advisor with David Lerner Associates in White Plains, New York, following a recent investor complaint alleging substantial losses from energy investment recommendations.
Understanding the Recent Complaint Against Howard Roth
If you’ve invested with Howard Roth or David Lerner Associates, you’ll want to know about the August 2025 complaint filed against this veteran advisor. The complaint centers on recommendations for Energy 11 private placement investments, with alleged damages totaling $125,000.
This significant six-figure claim raises important questions for current and former clients who may have similar investments in their portfolios.
The Energy Investment Products in Question
Let’s break down what these energy investments actually were:
| Investment Details | Key Information |
|---|---|
| Product Names | Energy 11 LP and Energy Resources 12 LP |
| Investment Type | Limited partnership investments in oil and gas properties |
| Structure | Delaware limited partnerships |
| Planned Liquidity | Five years after April 2017 offering termination |
| Risk Level | Described as “highly risky” in prospectuses |
Red Flags to Consider About Energy LP Investments
The prospectuses for these energy partnerships contained clear warnings that deserve your attention. Both investments were explicitly described as suitable only for investors with adequate financial means who desired long-term investments without immediate liquidity needs.
Here are the key concerns:
- Liquidity restrictions – These investments locked up investor funds for extended periods
- High risk nature – The prospectuses themselves warned about substantial risk
- Suitability concerns – May have been inappropriate for retirees or those needing access to their money
- Oil and gas volatility – Energy sector investments face unique market pressures
Howard Roth’s Professional Background
With 46 years in the securities industry, Howard Roth has built a long career at David Lerner Associates, where he’s been registered since 1979. His extensive experience includes passing multiple securities examinations and maintaining licenses in 18 states.
However, even experienced advisors must ensure their recommendations align with each client’s individual circumstances, risk tolerance, and investment objectives.
What This Means for Investors
If you invested in Energy 11 or Energy Resources 12 through Howard Roth or any David Lerner Associates advisor, you should review your investment experience carefully. Consider these questions:
- Were you clearly informed about the high-risk nature of these investments?
- Did the advisor assess whether you had adequate financial means for such illiquid investments?
- Were your liquidity needs and timeline properly considered?
- Did you understand you might not access your money for years?
Signs Your Energy LP Investment May Have Been Unsuitable
Your investment may have been inappropriate if you were:
- A retiree needing regular income or access to funds
- An investor with limited experience in alternative investments
- Someone without substantial other liquid assets
- Uncomfortable with high-risk investments
- Unaware of the extended lock-up periods
Taking Action: Your Rights as an Investor
The pending complaint against Howard Roth demonstrates that investors are taking action when they believe their losses resulted from unsuitable recommendations. You have the right to recover losses if your advisor recommended investments that didn’t match your financial situation or risk tolerance.
Securities laws require advisors to:
- Understand their clients’ financial circumstances
- Recommend only suitable investments
- Fully disclose all risks
- Ensure clients understand what they’re purchasing
Why Timing Matters
Investment loss claims have strict time limits. The sooner you act, the better positioned you’ll be to protect your rights and potentially recover your losses. Don’t wait until it’s too late to explore your options.
How Haselkorn & Thibaut Can Help
With over 50 years of experience and a 98% success rate, Haselkorn & Thibaut has recovered millions for investors nationwide. We understand the complexities of energy partnership investments and unsuitable recommendation claims.
Our team works on a no recovery, no fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we successfully recover compensation for your losses.
Get Your Free Consultation Today
If you invested with Howard Roth or David Lerner Associates in Energy 11, Energy Resources 12, or similar products, don’t wait to understand your rights. Call Haselkorn & Thibaut at 1-888-628-5590 for your free, confidential consultation.
Our experienced attorneys will review your situation, explain your options, and help you understand whether you have a viable claim. There’s no obligation, and you pay nothing unless we recover money for you.
Time is critical in investment loss cases. Call 1-888-628-5590 today to protect your rights and explore your recovery options.
