John Woods (CRD # 1949233) is a former investment adviser with Southport Capital and Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. Woods has been accused by federal regulators with engaging in a ponzi scheme, called “Horizon Private Equity,” that took $110M from 400 investors in 20 states between 2008 and 2021.
A Ponzi scheme is a fraudulent investment scheme that promises high returns to investors, often without a legitimate underlying business or investment strategy. The scheme relies on using funds from new investors to pay returns to earlier investors, creating the illusion of profit. As long as new investments keep coming in, the scheme appears to work, but it inevitably collapses when there aren't enough new investors to sustain the payouts. This leaves later investors with substantial losses, while the orchestrator of the scheme siphons off funds for personal gain.
Along with his brother, Jim Woods, and others including Michael Mooney, Arthur Brown, Penny Flippen, and Britt Wright, Woods orchestrated the “Horizon Private Equity” Ponzi scheme by targeting elderly investors with the promise of 6-7% annual returns that were safe. Investors were told that they would be able to get their principal back without any penalty. In its complaint, the SEC found that these claims were patently false, that Woods lied to investigators, and that the scheme failed to generate legitimate profits. Consequently, returns to early investors were paid with the funds from new investors resulting in enormous losses to investors.
According to John Woods’s BrokerCheck report, he has an astounding 54 public disclosures, with 53 coming since August 2021 which relate to the “Horizon Private Equity” Ponzi scheme. Of the 53 disclosures related to the Ponzi scheme, 28 have already been settled for large six- and seven-figure totals.
If you believe that you were a victim of John Woods or the Horizon Private Equity Ponzi scheme, you need to speak with an attorney. An attorney can help you determine your legal options.
If you were the victim of this Ponzi scheme, you have the right to an attorney. You have the right to pursue a claim for damages against any and all liable parties. You also have the right to hold wrongful parties accountable for their misconduct.
At Meyer Wilson, we represent investors who have suffered losses due to investment fraud or broker misconduct. Our lawyers have secured over $350 million on behalf of clients nationwide. We have represented over a thousand investors and will fight for you and your family.
If you sustained losses after investing with John woods or another broker accused of wrongdoing, you need to contact our office to schedule a free consultation. Call (866) 761-1981 to speak directly with an experienced investment fraud lawyer.
We have decades of combined legal experience and are nationally recognized for our successful litigation and arbitration of investment fraud cases. Do not hesitate. Call now to get started.
