Haselkorn & Thibaut has opened an investigation into Ford Gray Keeler, a financial advisor currently registered with LPL Financial LLC in Grand Junction, Colorado. If you’ve worked with Mr. Keeler or are considering investing with him, this report provides essential information about his regulatory history and what investors should know.
Who Is Ford Gray Keeler?
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Ford Gray Keeler has been in the securities industry for over two decades, with a career path that includes multiple broker-dealer firms. Currently registered with LPL Financial LLC since June 2025, his employment history reveals a pattern of firm changes that warrants closer examination:
- Western International Securities (2017-2025)
- Financial West Group (2008-2017)
- BancWest Investment Services (2006-2008)
- PrimeVest Financial Services (2003-2006)
- Wells Fargo (dates not specified)
Red Flags in Ford Keeler’s Background
After reviewing FINRA BrokerCheck records, several concerning patterns emerge that investors should carefully consider:
Customer Complaints History
Mr. Keeler has been named in 4 customer disputes, with allegations spanning various investment-related issues. Here’s what the record shows:
| Complaint Date | Alleged Damages | Status/Resolution | Key Allegations |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 2022 | $250,000 | Settled – $95,000 | Unsuitable recommendations, excessive trading |
| November 2019 | $180,000 | Settled – $65,000 | Breach of fiduciary duty, negligence |
| June 2018 | $125,000 | Denied | Unauthorized trading, misrepresentation |
| January 2016 | $90,000 | Settled – $40,000 | Failure to diversify, concentration in risky investments |
Why These Complaints Matter to Investors
The pattern of complaints against Ford Keeler raises several important concerns:
1. Unsuitable Investment Recommendations
Multiple clients have alleged that Mr. Keeler recommended investments that didn’t match their risk tolerance or financial objectives. This is particularly concerning for retirees or conservative investors who may have been placed in inappropriately risky positions.
2. Excessive Trading (Churning)
When advisors engage in excessive trading, it generates commissions for them while eroding client returns through fees and taxes. The $250,000 complaint specifically cited this practice, suggesting a pattern that cost investors significant money.
3. Breach of Fiduciary Duty
As a registered representative, Mr. Keeler has obligations to act in his clients’ best interests. The allegations of breaching this duty indicate potential conflicts of interest where his recommendations may have benefited him more than his clients.
Additional Areas of Concern
Firm Transition History
Mr. Keeler’s movement between five different firms over two decades can indicate instability. Frequent firm changes often correlate with compliance issues or performance problems that make continued employment challenging. Each transition also means clients must decide whether to follow their advisor or find new representation.
Western International Securities Connection
His most recent prior employer, Western International Securities, has its own regulatory history that investors should consider. Firms with compliance cultures that tolerate misconduct may enable problematic advisor behavior.
What Should Investors Do?
If you’ve worked with Ford Keeler or are experiencing losses in your investment accounts, consider these steps:
- Review all account statements for unauthorized trades or excessive activity
- Document any promises or guarantees made about investment performance
- Calculate your actual losses, including fees and commissions paid
- Keep all correspondence with Mr. Keeler or his firms
- Act quickly – FINRA arbitration claims have strict time limits
Understanding Your Rights
Investment losses aren’t always just “market risk.” When advisors engage in misconduct, investors have legal rights to recover damages. The $200,000 in settlements already paid to Mr. Keeler’s former clients demonstrates that valid claims can result in substantial recoveries.
Common recoverable damages include:
- Principal investment losses
- Lost opportunity costs
- Excessive fees and commissions
- Interest and attorney’s fees in some cases
Why Time Matters
FINRA arbitration rules generally require claims to be filed within six years of the event giving rise to the claim. However, acting sooner rather than later preserves evidence and strengthens your case. Memories fade, documents disappear, and witnesses become harder to locate as time passes.
Get Help Understanding Your Options
If you’ve suffered investment losses with Ford Keeler or have concerns about your accounts, you deserve answers. Haselkorn & Thibaut (InvestmentFraudLawyers.com) offers free consultations to help investors understand their rights and options.
With over 50 years of experience exclusively in investment fraud cases, the firm maintains a 98% success rate and has recovered millions for clients nationwide. Their “No Recovery, No Fee” promise means you pay nothing unless they secure compensation for your losses.
Don’t let confusion about the legal process prevent you from seeking the recovery you deserve. The consultation is free, confidential, and could be the first step toward recovering your losses.
Call Haselkorn & Thibaut today at 1-888-885-7162 for your free consultation.
Investment losses are stressful enough without wondering if your advisor acted appropriately. If Ford Keeler managed your investments and you’ve experienced losses or have concerns about his conduct, reach out today to learn about your options. You’ve worked hard for your money – make sure it was handled with the care it deserves.
