Timothy Lee Claypool, Amarillo, TX – An Investor’s Guide to His Background and Red Flags (Northwestern Mutual Investment Services)
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Haselkorn & Thibaut, a national investment fraud law firm, has recently opened an investigation into Timothy Lee Claypool, a former financial advisor based in Amarillo, Texas, with a history at Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC. If you are an investor who had accounts managed by Mr. Claypool, or you’re concerned about your experience with him or related firms, this guide will help you understand his background, potential red flags, and what steps you can take to protect your interests.
Who is Timothy Lee Claypool?
- Name: Timothy Lee Claypool (also known as Tim Claypool, Tim Lee Claypool)
- CRD Number: 4729794
- Location: Amarillo, TX
- Former FINRA-Registered Broker
- Current Status: Barred by FINRA from acting as a broker
- Primary Affiliation (Most Recent): Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (2017–2021)
- Prior Firms:
- Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (2017–2021)
- Farmers Financial Solutions, LLC (2014–2017)
- Edward Jones (2010–2013)
- Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. (2004–2010)
- Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (2004)
Summary of Regulatory and Legal Findings
Haselkorn & Thibaut’s investigation draws on official records, including FINRA’s BrokerCheck (view BrokerCheck), regulator releases, and court filings. Below is a detailed, factual snapshot for investors:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Status | Barred by FINRA as of August 28, 2023 for failure to respond to requests for information (Case No. 2021073166102). No current broker-dealer affiliation. |
| BrokerCheck Disclosures |
– No customer-initiated complaints or arbitrations reported – No SEC or state regulatory actions – No civil or criminal litigation – No bankruptcies or criminal events disclosed |
| Separation from Firms |
Permitted to resign from Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (2021) during an internal review for:
|
| Outstanding Liens | $8,613 civil judgment (Discover Bank, filed 08/15/2016, Randall JP Court 4, Amarillo, TX) – shown as still outstanding |
| Licenses Held | SIE (2018), Series 7 (2004), Series 66 (2004) |
Red Flags for Investors
- FINRA Bar (Serious Sanction): Being barred from the industry is the most severe penalty FINRA can issue. It means Mr. Claypool cannot act as a broker or be associated with any FINRA-registered brokerage.
- Employment Separation Under Review: Resignation from a reputable firm like Northwestern Mutual Investment Services while under scrutiny for possible policy violations (including unsuitable recommendations and commission-generating trades) suggests significant compliance concerns.
- Outstanding Civil Judgment: While not directly related to client accounts, a significant unresolved financial judgment might raise concerns about financial responsibility.
- Failure to Respond to FINRA: Not cooperating with regulator information requests led to the industry bar—a clear sign that regulatory expectations were not met.
- Past Affiliations With Multiple Firms: While changing employers is not itself a red flag, multiple short stints may warrant further investigation, especially when paired with regulatory actions or separations under allegations of wrongdoing.
Understanding the Impact: What This Means for Investors
If you had an account managed by Timothy Lee Claypool, particularly during his tenure at Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC or other firms, you may have questions or concerns about your investments, transactions, or account handling.
- No customer-initiated arbitrations or complaints have been listed on Mr. Claypool’s official BrokerCheck report as of the latest available date.
- No reported SEC or state regulatory orders specifically against Mr. Claypool aside from the FINRA bar.
- However, the circumstances around his separation and FINRA action, especially relating to unsuitable sales activity and internal investigations, can be important indicators.
How to Check Your Account History
If you’re worried about questionable trading, unauthorized activity, or losses in accounts associated with Mr. Claypool, you are not alone. Here’s how you can review your situation:
- Review Statements: Check for any unrecognized trades, large commissions, unusually high fees, or complex products (like variable annuities) that were not discussed in detail.
- Ask for Clarification: If you recall any trade made without your permission (known as unauthorized trading), or if you were sold complex products without proper explanation, document your experience.
What is FINRA Arbitration & Can You Recover Losses?
When a broker or advisor is barred—or if there are concerns about inappropriate activity—investors can often seek recovery through FINRA arbitration. Haselkorn & Thibaut can explain this process and evaluate your claim as part of a free consultation.
Why Choose Haselkorn & Thibaut?
- 50+ Years Combined Experience in securities fraud and investment loss recovery
- 98% Success Rate
- Millions Recovered for Clients Nationwide
- No Recovery, No Fee
Take Action – Get a Free, Confidential Case Review
If you worked with Timothy Lee Claypool at Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC or any prior firms and have concerns or experienced unexplained losses, take the next step to protect your financial future:
Contact Haselkorn & Thibaut at 1-888-994-8066 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We listen, explain your options, and help you determine the best path forward for potential recovery.
A brief phone call can make all the difference. If you suspect mismanagement, unsuitable trades, or have simple questions, don’t hesitate to reach out today.
Remember: There are strict time limits on filing FINRA arbitration claims. Early action maximizes your options.
For more details about an advisor’s official record, you can visit FINRA BrokerCheck and search for Timothy Lee Claypool (CRD #4729794).
Your best defense is being informed and proactive — and Haselkorn & Thibaut is here to help every step of the way.
