April 16, 2024 - LOS ANGELES, CA- Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced today that a Gardena man was found guilty by a jury on a total of 52 felony counts for the unlawful sales of securities.

“This guilty verdict sends a clear message that fraudulent schemes targeting innocent investors will not be tolerated in our communities,” District Attorney Gascón said. “I commend the diligence of the jury and their commitment to justice, resulting in holding the perpetrator accountable for his deceitful actions. I also extend my gratitude to the members of our White Collar Division for their tireless efforts in investigating and prosecuting this complex case.”

Anthony Roy Martinez (dob 9/23/1955) was convicted on 16 counts of grand theft, 18 counts of the sale of securities without qualification and 18 counts of using false statements in the sale of a security. The convictions occurred April 8 and 10 following a three-month trial at the Burbank Superior Court in case BA478002.

The defendant was remanded into custody and his sentencing was set for May 15, 2024 in Dept. G of the Burbank Superior Court.

Between 2011 and 2016, Martinez met most of his victims at real estate seminars in California and several other states, including the District of Columbia. As a guest speaker, he presented investment opportunities involving the purchase of non-performing second trust deeds as well as direct investments into his uncertified company, Asset Ventures, LLC.

The sales activities involved about 57 separate transactions of securities.

The prosecution of the case was the responsibility of the White Collar Division of the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
Source: Los Angeles County District Attorney