Haselkorn & Thibaut, P.A., operating as Investment Fraud Lawyers, has opened a comprehensive investigation into Lino J. Gutierrez (CRD 5527598), a former financial advisor based in Stuart, FL and most recently associated with Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated. If you worked with Mr. Gutierrez between 2017 and 2025 and have concerns about your investments, our attorneys are reviewing his activities for potential investor losses. Our team’s background as former Wall Street defense lawyers allows us to bring valuable insider knowledge to every investigation and to aggressively pursue recovery for our clients.
Who is Lino J. Gutierrez?
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Lino J. Gutierrez, also known as Joe Gutierrez or Lino Joe Gutierrez, served as a general securities representative during his tenure at several major brokerage firms, including:
- Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (2017–2025)
- Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC (2013–2017)
- PNC Investments (2010–2013)
- Chase Investment Services Corp. (2009–2010)
- Merrill Lynch (2008–2009)
His current registration status reflects that he is not currently registered with any FINRA-member firm. Mr. Gutierrez’s professional history and recent criminal conviction may raise serious concerns for investors.
Key Red Flags: Lino J. Gutierrez (Stuart, FL)
Our attorneys have identified several concerns regarding Mr. Gutierrez’s conduct while associated with Merrill Lynch and other broker-dealers in Florida:
- Federal criminal conviction for fraud-related charges (2025).
- Arbitration settlements relating to alleged unsuitable investment recommendations.
- Pending complaints regarding alleged misconduct and investor losses.
Below is a summary table of his background for easy reference:
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Name | Lino J. Gutierrez |
| Advisor’s CRD | 5527598 |
| Broker-Dealer | Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated |
| Location | Stuart, FL |
| Registration Status | Not actively registered |
| Criminal Record | Federal fraud-related conviction reported in 2025 |
| Highest Award/Settlement | $100,000 (2026) |
| Pending Complaint Damages | $200,000 |
Detailed Complaints & Regulatory Events
Our investigation has identified the following reported incidents and ongoing matters related to Mr. Gutierrez’s conduct:
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Federal Criminal Conviction – Healthcare Fraud (2025):
- In July 2025, Mr. Gutierrez was reportedly convicted in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida on felony counts including healthcare fraud, wire fraud, paying illegal kickbacks, and conspiracy.
- He was reportedly sentenced to 210 months’ imprisonment and ordered to pay $5,650,086.62 in restitution, plus special assessments.
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FINRA Arbitration Settlement ($100,000) – January 2026:
- While associated with Merrill Lynch, Mr. Gutierrez reportedly settled an arbitration claim alleging that he did not act in the client’s best interest, resulting in substantial financial harm.
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Pending FINRA Arbitration (Filed September 2025):
- A Merrill Lynch customer alleges that Mr. Gutierrez made unsuitable investment recommendations that caused damages of $200,000. This matter is reportedly still pending.
Types of Alleged Misconduct
Clients have raised allegations against Mr. Gutierrez involving:
- Unsuitability: Recommending investments allegedly misaligned with a client’s financial profile, which may implicate FINRA Rule 2111 and SEC Regulation Best Interest.
- Misrepresentation: Allegedly failing to adequately disclose risks or features of recommended products, which could implicate FINRA Rules 2020 and 2010.
- Failure to Act in Client’s Best Interest: Allegedly not prioritizing clients’ interests or needs.
- Fraud-Related Conduct: Alleged involvement in fraudulent schemes, as reflected in reported criminal proceedings.
Disclosures and Ongoing Risk for Investors
Public regulatory databases and court records should be reviewed carefully and updated information may not appear immediately in all reporting systems. Investors who believe they may have suffered account losses, unsuitable recommendations, or other inappropriate activity involving Lino J. Gutierrez should promptly consult counsel to evaluate potential recovery options.
Haselkorn & Thibaut: Your Advocates for Recovery
Our firm has recovered substantial sums for investors in securities matters and brings decades of combined experience in securities law. We are committed to putting our insider knowledge to work for you and fighting to recover your funds with compassion and strong advocacy. As Super Lawyers-designated, Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent-rated attorneys, we provide clear guidance in complex situations. Most importantly, you pay us nothing unless we recover for you.
Your Next Step: Free Investor Loss Consultation
If you lost money with Lino J. Gutierrez, especially during his time with Merrill Lynch in Stuart, FL, do not wait to explore your options. Contact our team for a free, confidential consultation at 1-888-885-7162 to discuss whether you may be able to pursue recovery.
