The Marion County Sheriff’s Office has launched a fraud investigation after the owner of an Ocala-based financial advisory firm was accused of stealing nearly $200,000 from one of his clients.
On Tuesday, August 12, MCSO stated on social media that a Marion County resident recently reported that Michael Hainsworth, owner of Hainsworth Wealth Advisory, LLC, had stolen a large sum of money from them.
According to MCSO, Hainsworth had promised to invest the victim’s money in bonds over a five-year period with monthly payments. However, the victim advised that those payments eventually stopped.
When the victim contacted Hainsworth and requested a refund, he allegedly responded by stating that there “would be penalties for withdrawing early.” Hainsworth later told the victim that the chances of getting the money back was “small” without a signed civil payment agreement, according to the victim’s statement.
“We have received similar reports involving Hainsworth and believe there may be other victims,” said MCSO on Tuesday afternoon.
If you have given money to Hainsworth, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office asks that you contact Detective Caruthers at 352-351-4776 or 352-732-9111.