In July 2025, former Merrill Lynch broker Isaiah Williams was arrested after being accused of misappropriating $2.59 million from the Bank of America account of former Miami Dolphins safety Reshad Jones, who earned $58 million during his NFL career. The allegations paint a troubling picture of personal enrichment at the expense of a client, and they raise serious questions about supervision and compliance practices at Merrill Lynch.
If you or someone you know has been impacted by Isaiah Williams or another broker, don’t hesitate to reach out to Meyer Wilson Werning today. Our attorneys are experienced in broker misconduct cases and will help to guide you through the process with a free consultation.

How Isaiah Williams Misappropriated Client Funds
Authorities allege that between early 2022 and early 2024, Isaiah Williams (CRD# 6211219) executed unauthorized withdrawals and charged two American Express credit cards tied to Jones’ account. These transactions totaled roughly $1.6 million in personal spending.
Examples of Williams’ Alleged Spending
Court documents and reports detail his alleged purchases, including:
- Luxury hotel stays and airline tickets.
- Car rentals and jewelry purchases.
- Designer clothing and rent payments.
- Child support, legal fees, and charges at strip clubs and nightclubs.
This pattern of unauthorized spending demonstrates how quickly investor trust can be violated when financial advisors abuse their access to client accounts.
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Customer Complaints and Regulatory History
Williams’ case is not an isolated incident. His record reveals a troubling history of customer complaints and regulatory action.
Complaint and Disciplinary Background
- December 2024: A client alleged misappropriation, unsuitable asset allocation, misrepresentations, and an improper outside business activity. That case settled for $9.5 million.
- April 2025: FINRA barred Williams after he refused to provide information related to the firm’s investigation. Prior filings disclosed a complaint involving misrepresentation and improper outside business activities.
- December 2024: Williams voluntarily resigned from Merrill Lynch after allegations of misappropriation, unsuitable asset allocation, misrepresentations, and improper outside business activity.
Despite this history, Williams became Managing Director and CEO of Bascom Hill Wealth LLC in Royal Palm Beach, Florida, in December 2024. His trajectory shows how brokers can remain active in the financial industry even after troubling allegations.
Brokerage Firm Responsibility
Brokerage firms are obligated under FINRA rules to supervise the activities of their registered representatives. When misconduct occurs, firms like Merrill Lynch may be held responsible for the resulting losses.
Supervision Failures and Investor Impact
Supervision obligations require firms to:
- Monitor brokers’ account activity for signs of misappropriation.
- Investigate red flags such as unusual withdrawals or customer complaints.
- Protect clients from unsuitable recommendations or unauthorized transactions.
When firms fail in these responsibilities, investors may pursue claims for recovery based on negligence and inadequate supervision.
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Legal Options for Victims of Broker Misconduct
Clients who lose money due to fraud or misappropriation have several potential avenues for recovery.
Avenues for Investor Claims
- Negligence and breach of duty: Claims based on a broker’s failure to act in the client’s best interest.
- Breach of contract or consumer protection violations: Where promises made by the broker or firm were not honored.
- Arbitration: Most brokerage agreements require disputes to be handled in arbitration rather than court. This process allows clients to file a claim, present evidence, and receive a binding decision from a neutral arbitrator.
While arbitration may limit certain legal remedies, it remains an effective way for investors to seek compensation for their losses.
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Meyer Wilson Werning Offers Support for Victims of Broker Misconduct
The allegations against Isaiah Williams are a reminder of the serious harm financial advisors can cause when they misuse client funds. Victims not only face financial losses but also emotional and legal burdens. Documenting what happened, consulting an attorney, and reporting misconduct to regulators like FINRA or the SEC are important steps toward recovery.
If you or someone you know has suffered losses due to the actions of brokers like Isaiah Williams, the experienced attorneys at Meyer Wilson Werning are here to help. With more than 20 years in the industry and over $350 million recovered for our clients, our focus on investment fraud and securities litigation has helped many investors recover their losses. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can assist you in protecting your financial interests.
Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Isaiah Williams and what are the allegations against him?
Isaiah Williams, a former Merrill Lynch broker, was arrested in July 2025 for allegedly misappropriating $2.59 million from NFL player Reshad Jones’ Bank of America account. Authorities claim he used the funds for personal luxury spending.
How did Isaiah Williams allegedly misuse his client’s funds?
Court filings allege Williams made unauthorized withdrawals and credit card charges totaling $1.6 million. Purchases reportedly included hotels, jewelry, rent, and even nightclub expenses.
What is Isaiah Williams’ regulatory and disciplinary history?
Williams was terminated by Merrill Lynch in January 2025 for misappropriation and misconduct. By April 2025, FINRA barred him from the industry after he refused to cooperate with investigators.
Can Merrill Lynch be held liable for Isaiah Williams’ actions?
If the allegations are found to be true, yes. Brokerage firms like Merrill Lynch have a legal duty to supervise their brokers and prevent misconduct. Failures in supervision can make the firm responsible for client losses.
What legal options do investors have if their broker misappropriated funds?
Victims can pursue claims such as negligence, breach of duty, or fraud through FINRA arbitration. Arbitration provides a binding decision and is often the primary avenue for recovering losses.
Recovering Losses Caused by Investment Misconduct.