William J. Michero – Fort Worth, TX: Investigation by Haselkorn & Thibaut into Former Cambridge Investment Research Broker
Table of Contents
Haselkorn & Thibaut, a national securities fraud law firm with over 50 years of experience, has opened an independent investigation into William J. Michero (also known as Jeff Michero, William Jeffrey Michero), a former financial advisor and broker based in Fort Worth, Texas, who previously worked at Cambridge Investment Research, Inc.. If you believe your investments may have been mishandled by William Michero, or you have concerns about your account, this detailed report provides the facts, red flags, and a full list of known investor complaints regarding this advisor. If you have questions or concerns, you can get a free and confidential consultation with Haselkorn & Thibaut by calling 1-888-994-8066.
Who is William J. Michero?
- Name: William J. Michero
- CRD Number: 4617645
- Also Known As: Jeff Michero, William Jeffrey Michero, William Michero
- Location: Fort Worth, TX
- Former Broker-Dealer: Cambridge Investment Research, Inc. (Fort Worth, TX) – 02/2009–08/2021
- Industry Registration: Former registered representative and investment adviser; permanently barred by FINRA in 2021; no current registrations
Regulatory and Industry Background
William J. Michero worked in the financial industry for nearly two decades, with prior affiliations at firms such as Cambridge Investment Research, Merrill Lynch, Banc of America Investment Services, 1st Global Capital Corp., and UBS Financial Services. His tenure at Cambridge Investment Research, Inc. lasted from February 2009 to August 2021. However, his career was permanently halted when the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) barred him from any further association with its member firms as of September 10, 2021.
Why Was William J. Michero Barred by FINRA?
According to public records, including FINRA BrokerCheck, William J. Michero consented to a permanent bar after allegations surfaced regarding serious misconduct while he was at Cambridge Investment Research, Inc. Between April 2018 and February 2021, it was found that Michero, acting in a trustee capacity for a senior beneficiary, converted over $263,000 from trust accounts to his own personal account without consent or authorization. Such conduct signifies a notable breach of fiduciary duty and a violation of industry rules designed to protect investors.
| Regulatory Action | Date | Result |
|---|---|---|
| FINRA Permanent Bar | 09/10/2021 | Banned from associating with any FINRA member firm for misappropriation and unauthorized trading |
Red Flags for Investors
- Permanent Industry Bar: Banned by FINRA for misappropriation of customer funds and unauthorized trading.
- Discharged from Employer: Let go by Cambridge Investment Research, Inc. in 08/2021 after discovery of misappropriated trust funds.
- Outstanding IRS Tax Lien: Discloses an unpaid IRS tax lien totaling $56,905 filed in 2021.
- Criminal Investigation: The Texas Department of Insurance Fraud Unit pursued the matter for district attorney prosecution in 2023.
- Trustee Misconduct: Converted in excess of $263,000 from beneficiary trust accounts.
These are serious red flags for any investor, as they reflect patterns of unauthorized transactions, potential conflicts of interest, and other conduct that may impact client accounts.
Complete List of Known Complaints and Disputes
The following table summarizes every public regulatory, arbitration, or customer dispute event involving William J. Michero:
| Date | Event Type | Summary/Allegations | Outcome/Resolution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 2018 | Customer Arbitration | Client alleged unsuitable recommendations and unauthorized trading in IRA | $25,000 awarded to client (paid by Cambridge) |
| Nov 2019 | Customer Complaint | Breach of fiduciary duty and misrepresentation of investment performance | Settled for $35,000 (paid by Cambridge) |
| Sep 2021 | FINRA Regulatory Action | Permanently barred for conversion of more than $263,000 in client funds and unauthorized activity | Permanently barred from securities industry |
Of note: No other civil lawsuits or SEC enforcement actions regarding William Michero have been identified in public federal or state court records.
Advisor Profile: Other Positions and Affiliations
- Independent Insurance Agent
- Board Member, Cancer Care Services (Fort Worth, TX) – since 2016
- Board Member, S.T.E.P.S with Horses (Cleburne, TX) – since 2017
- Trustee, H.F. Trust FBO S.H.I. (Fort Worth, TX) – since April 2018
While professional and community involvement can be positive, it also highlights the breadth of trust placed in advisors and the importance of thorough due diligence.
How Investors Can Protect Themselves
Financial advisors and brokers are legally and ethically obligated to act in their clients’ best interests. If you suspect investment losses or misconduct in your account, reviewing your portfolio and getting a second opinion from a securities attorney can be an important next step. Recognizing red flags such as unauthorized transactions, lack of communication, or sudden changes in your account is critical.
Free Consultation and Next Steps
Haselkorn & Thibaut represents investors nationwide and is currently investigating claims involving William J. Michero and Cambridge Investment Research, Inc.. With a 98% success rate and millions recovered for clients, the firm offers free consultations and works on a contingency basis—meaning, no fee if there is no recovery.
Take your concerns seriously and get your questions answered in a no-risk, confidential case review.
Call Haselkorn & Thibaut at 1-888-994-8066 for your free consultation today.
