Haselkorn & Thibaut (InvestmentFraudLawyers.com) has opened an investigation into Sal LaRocca, a financial advisor registered with Voya Financial Advisors in Melville, New York. With multiple investor complaints and regulatory actions on his record, investors who have worked with Mr. LaRocca may want to understand their rights and options.
Understanding Sal LaRocca’s Background at Voya Financial Advisors
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Sal LaRocca has spent 38 years in the securities industry, with his current registration at Voya Financial Advisors beginning in 2011. His extensive career includes previous registrations with well-known firms like ING Financial Advisers, Equico Securities, and The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States. Operating from Melville, New York, he maintains licenses in seven states: Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, New York, South Carolina, Texas, and Virginia.
His professional qualifications include passing four securities industry examinations:
- Series 7 – General Securities Representative Examination
- Series 6 – Investment Company Products/Variable Contracts Representative
- SIE – Securities Industry Essentials Examination
- Series 63 – Uniform Securities Agent State Law Examination
Recent Investor Complaints Against Sal LaRocca
The most concerning aspect of Mr. LaRocca’s FINRA BrokerCheck record involves two investor complaints that raise questions about his business practices:
| Year | Allegation | Damages Claimed | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 2025 | Improper asset transfer into fixed account | $90,000 | Denied by firm |
| 2018 | Inadequate disclosure of fees/charges on variable annuity | $8,363.75 | Denied by firm |
The August 2025 complaint is particularly significant, alleging that Mr. LaRocca prepared paperwork that caused a transfer of assets into a fixed account exceeding the amount the customer intended. This type of error can have serious financial consequences for investors, especially those nearing or in retirement who rely on specific asset allocations.
FINRA Disciplinary Action: A Red Flag for Investors
Perhaps most troubling is the 2024 FINRA disciplinary action against Sal LaRocca. FINRA found that he falsely certified completing 15 hours of continuing education required to renew his state insurance license when someone else had actually completed the coursework on his behalf. This resulted in:
- A two-month suspension from the industry
- A $5,000 fine
This disciplinary action raises serious questions about professional integrity. Continuing education requirements exist to ensure financial advisors stay current with regulations, products, and best practices that protect investors. Falsifying these certifications undermines the entire purpose of these safeguards.
What These Red Flags Mean for Investors
When evaluating a financial advisor, investors should consider the complete picture. While complaints alone don’t prove wrongdoing, patterns of similar allegations combined with regulatory violations warrant careful consideration. The complaints against Mr. LaRocca suggest potential issues with:
- Accuracy in executing client instructions
- Transparency regarding fees and charges
- Professional ethics and compliance
Investors who have experienced unexplained losses, unexpected fees, or improper transfers in their accounts should review their statements carefully. Documentation is crucial – keep all correspondence, account statements, and notes from conversations with your advisor.
Protecting Your Investment Rights
If you’ve worked with Sal LaRocca at Voya Financial Advisors and experienced:
- Unauthorized or incorrect asset transfers
- Undisclosed fees or charges
- Investment losses you don’t understand
- Recommendations that seemed unsuitable for your situation
You may have legal recourse. Securities laws provide important protections for investors, including the right to recover losses caused by advisor misconduct through FINRA arbitration.
Why Time Matters in Investment Fraud Cases
Investment fraud cases have strict time limits, known as statutes of limitations. Waiting too long to take action could mean losing your right to recover losses, even if you have a valid claim. Additionally, evidence can become harder to obtain as time passes, and witnesses’ memories may fade.
Take Action to Protect Your Financial Future
Haselkorn & Thibaut has over 50 years of experience helping investors nationwide recover losses from financial advisor misconduct. With a 98% success rate and millions recovered for clients, the firm operates on a “No Recovery, No Fee” basis, meaning you pay nothing unless they recover money for you.
If you’ve invested with Sal LaRocca or Voya Financial Advisors and have concerns about your account, don’t wait. Call Haselkorn & Thibaut today at 1-888-628-5590 for a free, confidential consultation. Their experienced attorneys can review your situation, explain your rights, and help you understand your options for recovering investment losses.
Remember, you worked hard for your investments, and you deserve an advisor who handles them with care and integrity. If you suspect something isn’t right with your accounts, trust your instincts and seek professional guidance. A free consultation could be the first step toward protecting your financial future.
