Columbia-based medical waste company defrauded investors, says Secretary of State

Missouri, Iowa and Indiana investors of Steri Med Methods LLC will acquire their money again soon after being defrauded by the Columbia-centered company, the Missouri Secretary of State’s Place of work explained Thursday.

A consent get was issued towards Steri Med and David E. Fenton, of Columbia.

Fenton has agreed to spend about $635,592 in restitution, together with $139,000 in desire to the Missouri Secretary of Condition Investor Education Safety Fund. The fund involves investigation expenses of $20,000.

Between November 2014 and January 2016, Fenton defrauded 19 traders into Steri Med in the three states, the Secretary of State’s Office environment alleges. He was making an attempt to elevate preliminary resources for the proposed dangerous and healthcare squander disposal organization.

Fenton made available $420,000 in securities in the corporation, which had been sold. Securities are applied to increase income these kinds of as through possession rights or financial loans.

The Secretary of State’s Place of work alleges Fenton utilized the revenue lifted for particular achieve, alternatively than for constructing up the clinical waste corporation.

Lots of of Fenton’s investors were being more than the age of 60 or his relatives associates and good friends, who never ever gained confirmation on their investment decision, the Secretary of State’s Place of work mentioned. A person these types of Columbia pair died prior to the restitution order was issued.

“Investors need to often perform owing diligence right before investing their difficult-acquired dollars, even when they are investing with spouse and children users or shut associates,” mentioned Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft.

The business office has a toll-absolutely free hotline for trader protections at 1-800-721-7996, or individuals can check out www.missouriprotectsinvestors.com to file a grievance.

This report initially appeared on Columbia Every day Tribune: Healthcare waste corporation agrees to shell out again investors just after fraud