Haselkorn & Thibaut, P.A., operating as Investment Fraud Lawyers, has opened an investigation into recent allegations against Steven Goethel (CRD# 5861475), a financial advisor and broker registered with Merrill Lynch in Jupiter, Florida. We understand the gravity of potential investment losses and know firsthand how overwhelming it can be for investors facing confusing or inadequate information about their portfolios. Our mission is to bring clarity, accountability, and recovery for clients who may have been misled or harmed by their financial professionals. If you believe you have suffered losses investing with Steven Goethel or Merrill Lynch, we encourage you to contact our team for a free consultation at 1-888-885-7162.
About Steven Goethel – Background & Experience
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Steven Goethel is a registered financial advisor and broker with Merrill Lynch in Jupiter, FL. According to his public record, he holds 15 years of industry experience and has been associated with Merrill Lynch since 2011 in both investment advisory and broker capacities. His qualifications include:
- Securities Industry Essentials Examination (SIE)
- Uniform Combined State Law Examination (Series 66)
- Futures Managed Funds Examination (Series 31)
- General Securities Representative Examination (Series 7)
Mr. Goethel is licensed in 30 states, offering investment advice and brokerage services to a wide array of clients. As experienced former Wall Street defense attorneys, we recognize the significance of a long-standing, clean registration status. However, even seasoned advisors can face serious allegations.
Recent Complaint: Material Misrepresentation and Inadequate Disclosure
In April 2026, an investor lodged a complaint against Steven Goethel, alleging that, as a representative of Merrill Lynch, he:
- Made material misrepresentations about alternative investments
- Provided inadequate disclosure regarding the investments
- Engaged in trading activity that resulted in unexpected consequences for the investor
The pending complaint seeks unspecified damages. The specific products or investment options involved are not disclosed at this time, but these types of allegations often point toward potential failures to explain key details, risks, liquidity constraints, or conflicts of interest related to complex or alternative investment strategies.
Our attorneys are actively investigating the full scope of this complaint and any related conduct by Mr. Goethel or Merrill Lynch. While only a single complaint has been publicly reported so far, our experience shows that early reported misconduct can sometimes be a warning sign of broader issues.
FINRA Rules: What Constitutes Misrepresentation?
It is important for investors to understand that Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) rules strictly prohibit brokers from:
- Making any false or misleading statements about investment recommendations (FINRA Rule 2020)
- Recommending unsuitable products that are not aligned with an investor’s objectives or risk tolerance (FINRA Rule 2111)
When a financial advisor provides incomplete, exaggerated, or intentionally misleading information, this behavior may rise to the level of actionable misrepresentation. Consequences may include substantial damages for affected investors, especially if losses resulted from unsuitable or poorly explained investments.
How to Review Steven Goethel’s Public Record
Transparency is a critical protection for investors. You may wish to independently review Steven Goethel’s BrokerCheck profile. On BrokerCheck, you can:
- Search by name or CRD number (5861475)
- Review his registration and employment history
- Check for customer complaints, legal actions, regulatory disclosures, and more
As of May 10, 2026, BrokerCheck shows one pending customer complaint against Mr. Goethel related to alleged misrepresentations at Merrill Lynch. No other regulatory, civil, or criminal actions are listed. We encourage periodic review, as public records can lag behind recent developments or confidential investigations.
Red Flags and Investor Concerns
While every advisor’s profile deserves detailed scrutiny, certain indicators should prompt investors to take immediate action. In the case of Steven Goethel, the principal red flags include:
| Red Flag | Details |
|---|---|
| Material Misrepresentation | Allegedly failed to disclose all relevant information and risks regarding alternative investments. |
| Inadequate Disclosure | Did not sufficiently explain product features, risks, or consequences to the investor. |
| Trading Activity | Trading or investment strategies resulted in outcomes that the investor did not expect or understand. |
It is critical for financial advisors to fully disclose all material facts, especially for alternative or complex investments, where risk of loss and lack of liquidity can be significant. Our former defense attorneys have seen the severe impact of these failures from the inside and now we fight for your right to recover any improper losses.
Haselkorn & Thibaut’s Track Record and Commitment
- 98% success rate across hundreds of investor claims
- 95+ years of combined securities law experience
- Over $520 million involved in securities matters
- Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent (Top 2% peer review)
- Super Lawyers-designated attorneys
- 5.0-star client reviews
- No recovery, no fee policy – you pay nothing unless we secure funds for you
With a deep bench of former Wall Street defense lawyers, our firm leverages unique insider knowledge to expose advisor misrepresentations and maximize the recovery of lost funds for investors.
What Should Investors Do Next?
If you invested with Steven Goethel of Merrill Lynch in Jupiter, Florida, and have concerns about the disclosure, risk levels, or performance of your investment recommendations, especially concerning alternative or complex products, we urge you to take immediate steps:
- Request a detailed account statement and disclosure documents from your advisor
- Carefully review any written and verbal communication regarding your investments
- Contact our attorneys if you suspect misleading conduct, inadequate disclosure, or unsuitable recommendations
Our firm’s investigation is ongoing, and your voice may help protect others or strengthen the search for full accountability. Remember, time limits can apply to investor claims, so early action is critical.
Don’t face these concerns alone. Call us now at 1-888-885-7162 for a confidential, no-cost consultation. We are ready to advocate for your recovery, explain your rights, and put our decades of experience to work for you. Let us help you pursue the recovery of your investment losses and bring the power of experienced, aggressive representation to your side.
