Joseph Frederick Eschleman: Investigation Underway by Haselkorn & Thibaut
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Haselkorn & Thibaut (investmentfraudlawyers.com), a national law firm focused on securities fraud recovery, has launched an investigation into Joseph Frederick Eschleman (CRD #3237843), a Sacramento, CA-based financial advisor affiliated with Purshe Kaplan Sterling Investments and Towerpoint Wealth, LLC. Our goal in this report is to provide investors with an in-depth, neutral overview of the advisor’s regulatory background, customer disputes, and potential warning signs, so you can make informed decisions about your investments.
Summary at a Glance
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Advisor Name | Joseph Frederick Eschleman |
| CRD Number | 3237843 |
| Broker-Dealer | Purshe Kaplan Sterling Investments |
| Office Location | 500 Capitol Mall, Suite 1060, Sacramento, CA 95814 |
| Alternate Business | Towerpoint Wealth, LLC (President, IAR) |
Background: Who is Joseph Frederick Eschleman?
Joseph Eschleman is a seasoned securities advisor and broker, currently employed by Purshe Kaplan Sterling Investments and acting as President and Investment Adviser Representative at Towerpoint Wealth, LLC in Sacramento, California. With over two decades in the industry, his registration history includes significant tenures at Wells Fargo Clearing Services and Prudential Securities Incorporated.
- Current Roles: Registered broker and investment adviser
- Other Business Activities: Fixed insurance agent (PKS Financial), owner of residential rental properties, cryptocurrency advisor (Eaglebrook Advisors)
- Licensed in: Multiple states/territories
Regulatory and Complaint History: Key Findings
A thorough review of regulatory databases and public filings reveals no SEC enforcement actions, federal lawsuits, or state disciplinary findings related to Mr. Eschleman. However, investors should pay attention to several noteworthy events that may serve as potential red flags:
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Pending FINRA Arbitration (August 2025):
- Allegation: Recommended a §1031 exchange into two Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs)—Campus Walk DST and 4th & J DST—allegedly unsuitable for the client.
- Damages Sought: $1,175,140
- Current status: Open as of October 2025
-
Prior Settlement (2014):
- A Wells Fargo customer received $11,488 to resolve allegations of being charged full advisory fees on a self-directed account.
-
Regulatory Action (2018 – FINRA AWC):
- Sanctions: 10-business-day suspension (September 2018) and a $5,000 fine.
- Reason: Exercised discretion in certain IRA and trust accounts without written customer authorization or firm approval.
Possible Red Flags for Investors
- Unsuitability Allegations: Making recommendations inconsistent with client needs and objectives may breach FINRA Rule 2111.
- Breach of Fiduciary/Best-Interest Duties: Failing to put retail customers’ interests ahead of the advisor’s after June 2020 could contravene SEC Regulation Best Interest.
- Unauthorized Trading: Engaging in account transactions without proper client consent or written authorization is prohibited by FINRA Rule 3260.
- Fee-Related Disputes: Charging inappropriate fees or commissions may be a sign of poor practice or oversight.
Understanding the Products Involved: Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs)
DSTs are real estate investment vehicles that allow investors to own fractional interests in properties, often used in 1031 exchange strategies to defer capital gains tax. They can offer diversification and hands-off property management, but they also carry unique risks and may not be suitable for all investors—especially those needing liquidity, lower risk, or different tax situations.
- Potential Risks: Limited liquidity, concentration in commercial real estate, reliance on property management, sensitivity to real estate market cycles.
- Complexity: Not a one-size-fits-all solution. A careful suitability analysis is essential before investing.
Comprehensive Complaint and Disclosure Summary
Below is a consolidated view of regulatory and customer complaint records related to Joseph Frederick Eschleman:
| Year | Event | Resolution |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Customer dispute at Wells Fargo (fee-related issue) | Settled for $11,488 |
| 2018 | FINRA regulatory action: Exercising discretion without written authority | 10-day suspension, $5,000 fine |
| 2025 | Pending FINRA arbitration (unsuitable DST recommendations) | Pending; damages sought $1,175,140 |
No additional disclosures or complaints relating to criminal matters, bankruptcies, SEC enforcement actions, or formal state disciplinary actions were found as of the latest review.
What Should Investors Do Next?
If you were a client of Joseph Frederick Eschleman or Purshe Kaplan Sterling Investments and have questions about your investments, account activity, or the suitability of recommendations—particularly related to DSTs, 1031 exchanges, or alternative real estate strategies—now is the time to act. Even experienced investors may overlook signs of potentially unsuitable transactions or unauthorized trading. Early action may be essential to maximizing your chance of recovery if you have suffered investment losses.
Haselkorn & Thibaut: Free Consultation, No Recovery – No Fee
Haselkorn & Thibaut, with over 50 years of combined experience and a 98% success rate, helps investors nationwide recover losses due to broker misconduct, negligence, or unsuitable recommendations. Cases are handled on a contingent fee basis—no fees unless we recover for you.
To discuss your investment losses or concerns confidentially with a knowledgeable securities attorney, call Haselkorn & Thibaut today at 1-888-994-8066 for your free consultation.
Stay informed, protect your rights, and don’t hesitate to ask questions if you notice red flags in your financial accounts.
