John Patrick Donnelly of Houston, TX and Merrill Lynch: Haselkorn & Thibaut Launches Investigation
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If you’ve experienced concerns or losses with financial advisor John Patrick Donnelly (CRD #2374887) of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated in Houston, TX, this report is for you. Haselkorn & Thibaut, a national securities fraud law firm, has opened an investigation into Mr. Donnelly’s conduct as a financial advisor and encourages any investors with questions or concerns to reach out for a free, confidential consultation at 1-888-994-8066.
Who Is John Patrick Donnelly?
John Patrick Donnelly is a registered broker and investment advisor, working from Merrill Lynch’s Houston branch at 2800 Post Oak Blvd, since October 13, 2001. His industry tenure dates back to 1993, including time at Chase Securities of Texas, Inc.
| Full Name | John Patrick Donnelly |
|---|---|
| CRD Number | 2374887 |
| Current Firm | Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (CRD #7691) |
| Office Location | Houston, TX |
| Registered Since | October 13, 2001 |
| Licenses | Series 7, 66; Life & Health Insurance (various states) |
Investors evaluating Mr. Donnelly’s background should be aware of both his regulatory profile and any history of customer complaints.
Investigation Overview
Haselkorn & Thibaut is currently gathering information about client experiences with John Patrick Donnelly. Even if your account experienced only minor issues, we recommend discussing your situation with a professional who can analyze if your investments were handled appropriately and in your best interest.
Details of Past Complaints: Facts & Outcomes
Below is a complete, factual summary of all known customer complaints, regulatory findings, and employment history associated with Mr. Donnelly according to publicly available records as of June 2024:
- Customer Complaint (2000 – Chase Securities of Texas, Inc.):
– Allegation: Unauthorized purchase of a Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC) bond.
– Resolution: Settled for $46,687 (March 22, 2000). - Customer Complaint (1999 – Chase Securities of Texas, Inc.):
– Allegation: Failure to disclose important facts regarding an FHLMC bond.
– Resolution: Settled for $11,318 (June 11, 1999). - Other Customer Disputes:
– Five additional disputes from clients at Chase Securities of Texas, Inc. were either withdrawn, dismissed, or denied by the firm. No settlement was paid on these matters. - Recent Allegations (2020–2023):
– Issues raised concerning IRA beneficiary designations and potential documentation shortcomings. No monetary damages specified or public settlements reported.
| Date | Firm | Allegation | Outcome | Settlement Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 2000 | Chase Securities of Texas | Unauthorized FHLMC Bond Purchase | Settled | $46,687 |
| June 1999 | Chase Securities of Texas | Nondisclosure of FHLMC Bond Details | Settled | $11,318 |
| Various | Chase Securities of Texas | Other customer disputes | Withdrawn/Denied/Dismissed | None |
BrokerCheck and Regulatory Background
For further verification, any investor can check the most current regulatory profile of John Patrick Donnelly on FINRA BrokerCheck.
Key Regulatory Points:
- No current or recent customer complaints or arbitrations are listed on BrokerCheck under Mr. Donnelly’s profile as of the latest update.
- No FINRA disciplinary actions: No records of suspensions, censures, or fines.
- No SEC enforcement actions or administrative proceedings have been filed.
- No reports of bankruptcies, liens, or criminal charges are present.
- Licensed in good standing, with no state-level administrative orders or investigations.
Red Flags and What Investors Should Know
Understanding potential “red flags” in a financial advisor’s record can help you protect your financial interests. Here’s what you should watch for:
- Past Settled Customer Complaints: Two significant past customer complaints involving unauthorized trading and nondisclosure resulted in settlements, which may be cause for some concern.
- Allegations about IRA beneficiary instructions: Documentation or administrative shortfalls can have meaningful financial and legal consequences for account holders and heirs.
- Regulatory Clean Record Recently: Despite prior settlements, Mr. Donnelly’s more recent regulatory record appears clean as of the last available updates.
How Can Haselkorn & Thibaut Help You?
If you believe your investments with John Patrick Donnelly or Merrill Lynch were mishandled, you are not alone. Haselkorn & Thibaut’s experienced legal team has recovered millions for investors nationwide, handling most cases on a strictly contingent basis—no recovery, no fee.
Our Promise:
- Over 50 years of combined securities law experience
- National coverage with dedicated attorneys focused only on investor recovery
- Proven 98% success record
Get your questions answered at no cost, no obligation, and no pressure. Call us now at 1-888-994-8066.
Next Steps: Free Consultation and Investor Resources
You deserve transparency and diligent handling of your investments. Whether you have suffered losses, are unsure about recent account activity, or simply want an independent review, contacting Haselkorn & Thibaut could be your first step toward answers and potential recovery.
Haselkorn & Thibaut, InvestmentFraudLawyers.com
1-888-994-8066 | No Recovery, No Fee Nationwide

