O.C.G.A. § 10-5-41 (2019)
Denial of or placement of conditions or limitations on registration; civil penalties
(a) If the Commissioner finds that the order is in the public interest and subsection (d) of this Code section authorizes the action, an order issued under this chapter may deny an application or may condition or limit registration: (1) Of an applicant to be a broker-dealer, agent, investment adviser, or investment adviser representative; and (2) If the applicant is a broker-dealer or investment adviser, of any partner, officer, director, person having a similar status or performing similar functions, or person directly or indirectly controlling the broker-dealer or investment adviser. (b) If the Commissioner finds that the order is in the public interest and subsection (d) of this Code section authorizes the action, an order issued under this chapter may revoke, suspend, condition, or limit the registration of a registrant and if the registrant is a broker-dealer or investment adviser, any partner, officer, or director, any person having a similar status or performing similar functions, or any person directly or indirectly controlling the broker-dealer or investment adviser. However, the Commissioner: (1) May not institute a revocation or suspension proceeding under this subsection based on an order issued by another state that is reported to the Commissioner later than one year after the date of the order on which it is based; and (2) Under subparagraphs (d)(5)(A) and (d)(5)(B) of this Code section may not issue an order on the basis of an order under the state securities act of another state unless the other order was based on conduct for which subsection (d) of this Code section would authorize the action had the conduct occurred in this state. (c) If the Commissioner finds that the order is in the public interest and paragraphs (1) through (6) and (8) through (13) of subsection (d) of this Code section authorize the action, an order under this chapter may censure, impose a bar, or impose a civil penalty in an amount not to exceed a maximum of $50,000.00 for a single violation or $500,000.00 for several violations on a registrant and if the registrant is a brokerdealer or investment adviser, any partner, officer, or director, any person having similar functions or any person directly or indirectly controlling the broker-dealer or investment adviser. (d) A person may be disciplined under subsections (a) through (c) of this Code section if the person: (1) Has filed an application for registration in this state under this chapter or the predecessor Act within the previous ten years,
which, as of the effective date of registration or as of any date after filing in the case of an order denying effectiveness, was incomplete in any material respect or contained a statement that, in light of the circumstances under which it was made, was false or misleading with respect to a material fact; (2) Willfully violated or willfully failed to comply with this chapter or the predecessor Act or a rule adopted or order issued under this chapter or the predecessor Act within the previous ten years; (3) Has been convicted of a felony or within the previous ten years has been convicted of a misdemeanor involving a security, a commodity future or option contract, or an aspect of a business involving securities, commodities, investments, franchises, insurance, banking, or finance; (4) Is enjoined or restrained by a court of competent jurisdiction in an action instituted by the Commissioner under this chapter or the predecessor Act, a state, the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the United States from engaging in or continuing an act, practice, or course of business involving an aspect of a business involving securities, commodities, investments, franchises, insurance, banking, or finance; (5) Is the subject of an order, issued after notice and opportunity for hearing by: (A) The securities, depository institution, insurance, or other financial services administrator of a state or by the Securities and Exchange Commission or other federal agency denying, revoking, barring, or suspending registration as a broker-dealer, agent, investment adviser, federal covered investment adviser, or investment adviser representative; (B) The securities administrator of a state or by the Securities and Exchange Commission against a broker-dealer, agent, investment adviser, investment adviser representative, or federal covered investment adviser; (C) The Securities and Exchange Commission or by a selfregulatory organization suspending or expelling the registrant from membership in the self-regulatory organization; (D) A court adjudicating a United States Postal Service fraud order; (E) The insurance regulator of a state denying, suspending, or revoking the registration of an insurance agent; or (F) A depository institution regulator suspending or barring a person from the depository institution business;
(6) Is the subject of an adjudication or determination, after notice and opportunity for hearing, by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, the Federal Trade Commission, a federal depository institution regulator, or a depository institution, insurance, or other financial services administrator of a state that the person willfully violated the Securities Act of 1933, 15 U.S.C. Section 77a, et seq., the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, 15 U.S.C. Section 78a, et seq., the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, 15 U.S.C. Section 80b-1, et seq., the Investment Company Act of 1940, 15 U.S.C. Section 80a-1, et seq., or the Commodity Exchange Act, 7 U.S.C. Section 1, et seq., the securities or commodities law of a state, or a federal or state law under which a business involving investments, franchises, insurance, banking, or finance is regulated; (7) Is insolvent, either because the person’s liabilities exceed the person’s assets or because the person cannot meet the person’s obligations as they mature, but the Commissioner may not enter an order against an applicant or registrant under this paragraph without a finding of insolvency as to the applicant or registrant; (8) Refuses to allow or otherwise impedes the Commissioner from conducting an audit or inspection under subsection (d) of Code Section 10-5-40 or refuses access to a registrant’s office to conduct an audit or inspection under subsection (d) of Code Section 10-5-40; (9) Has failed to reasonably supervise an agent, investment adviser representative, or other individual, if the agent, investment adviser representative, or other individual was subject to the person’s supervision and committed a violation of this chapter or the predecessor Act or a rule adopted or order issued under this chapter or the predecessor Act within the previous ten years; (10) Has not paid the proper filing fee within 30 days after having been notified by the Commissioner of a deficiency, but the Commissioner shall vacate an order under this paragraph when the deficiency is corrected; (11) After notice and opportunity for a hearing, has been found within the previous ten years: (A) By a court of competent jurisdiction to have willfully violated the laws of a foreign jurisdiction under which the business of securities, commodities, investment, franchises, insurance, banking, or finance is regulated; (B) To have been the subject of an order of a securities administrator of a foreign jurisdiction denying, revoking, or suspending the right to engage in the business of securities as a broker-dealer, agent, investment adviser, investment adviser representative, or similar person; or
(C) To have been suspended or expelled from membership by or participation in a securities exchange or securities association operating under the securities laws of a foreign jurisdiction; (12) Is the subject of a cease and desist order issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission or issued under the securities, commodities, investment, franchise, banking, finance, or insurance laws of a state; (13) Has engaged in dishonest or unethical practices in the securities, commodities, investment, franchise, banking, finance, or insurance business within the previous ten years; or (14) Is not qualified on the basis of factors such as training, experience, and knowledge of the securities business. However, in the case of an application by an agent for a broker-dealer that is a member of a self-regulatory organization or by an individual for registration as an investment adviser representative, a denial order may not be based on this paragraph if the individual has successfully completed all examinations required by subsection (e) of this Code section. The Commissioner may require an applicant for registration under Code Section 10-5-31 or 10-5-33 who has not been registered in a state within the two years preceding the filing of an application in this state to successfully complete an examination. (e) A rule adopted or order issued under this chapter may require that an examination, including an examination developed or approved by an organization of securities regulators, be successfully completed by a class of individuals or all individuals. An order issued under this chapter may waive, in whole or in part, an examination as to an individual and a rule adopted under this chapter may waive, in whole or in part, an examination as to a class of individuals if the Commissioner determines that the examination is not necessary or appropriate in the public interest and for the protection of investors. (f) The Commissioner may suspend or deny an application summarily; restrict, condition, limit, or suspend a registration; or censure, bar, or impose a civil penalty on a registrant before final determination of an administrative proceeding. Upon the issuance of an order, the Commissioner shall promptly notify each person subject to the order that the order has been issued, the reasons for the action, and that within 30 days after the receipt of a request in a record from the person the matter will be scheduled for a hearing. If a hearing is not requested and none is ordered by the Commissioner within 30 days after the date of service of the order, the order becomes final by operation of law. If a hearing is requested or ordered, the Commissioner, after notice of and opportunity for hearing to each person subject to the order, may modify or vacate the order or extend the order until final determination.
(g) Except under subsection (f) of this Code section, an order may not be issued under this Code section without: (1) Appropriate notice to the applicant or registrant; (2) Opportunity for hearing; and (3) Findings of fact and conclusions of law in a record in accordance with Chapter 13 of Title 50, the “Georgia Administrative Procedure Act.” (h) A person that controls, directly or indirectly, a person not in compliance with this Code section may be disciplined by order of the Commissioner under subsections (a) through (c) of this Code section to the same extent as the noncomplying person, unless the controlling person did not know, and in the exercise of reasonable care could not have known, of the existence of conduct that is a ground for discipline under this Code section. (i) The Commissioner may not institute a proceeding under subsection (a), (b), or (c) of this Code section based solely on material facts actually known by the Commissioner unless an investigation or the proceeding is instituted within one year after the Commissioner actually acquires knowledge of the material facts.
History
Code 1981, § 10-5-41, enacted by Ga. L. 2008, p. 381, § 1/SB 358.
ARTICLE 5 VIOLATIONS, PENALTIES, AND CIVIL LIABILITY
Annotations
Law reviews. For article examining interface between law and business in regards to marketing of thrift notes, see 26 Mercer L. Rev. 311 (1974). For comment, the purchase of all the shares of stock of a business is not the purchase of a “Security” within the meaning of the Federal Securities Act of 1933 or the Georgia Securities Act of 1973, see 30 Emory L.J. 1212 (1981). For article, “Uniformity Under the Securities Laws: Regulation D and the New Georgia Uniform Limited Offering Exemption,” see 19 Ga. St. B. J. 74 (1982). For article, “Statutes of Limitation: Counterproductive Complexities,” see 37 Mercer L. Rev. 1 (1985). For article, “The Civil Jurisdiction of
State and Magistrate Courts,” see 24 Ga. St. B. J. 29 (1987). For article, “Start Making Sense: An Analysis and Proposal for Insider Trading Regulation,” see 26 Ga. L. Rev. 179 (1992). For article, “Common Fact Patterns of Stock Broker Fraud and Misconduct,” see 7 Ga. St. B.J. 14 (2002). For article, “Theories of Stockbroker and Brokerage Firm Liability,” see 9 Ga. St. B. J. 12 (2004). For article, “Georgia Securities Act - Let the Buyer Beware,” see 10 Ga. St. B. J. 14 (2005). For article, “The Georgia Uniform Securities Act of 2008: An Analysis of Significant Changes to Georgia’s Blue Sky Law,” see 14 (No. 6) Ga. St. B. J. 18 (2009).
JUDICIAL DECISIONS ANALYSIS GENERAL CONSIDERATION SCHEMES TO DEFRAUD LIABILITY OF CONTROLLING PERSONS, PARTNERS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AND DIRECTORS STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS General Consideration Editor’s notes. - In light of the similarity of the statutory provisions, decisions under former Ga. L. 1957, p. 134, former Code 1933, §§ 97-112, 97-113, 97-114, and former O.C.G.A. §§ 10-5-12, 10-5-13, and 10-5-14, as amended, which were subsequently repealed but were succeeded by provisions in this article, are included in the annotations for this article. Section resembles federal regulation. - Although the defenses available may differ between this section and federal Rule 10(b)-5, the resemblance goes beyond each requiring an element of culpability, as this section bears a close resemblance to Rule 10(b)-5 and shares a commonality of purpose with that rule. Osterneck v. E.T. Barwick Indus., Inc., 79 F.R.D. 47, 1978 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 17822 (N.D. Ga. 1978) (decided under former Ga. L. 1957, p. 134, as amended). As there was no dispute that agreements and notes defendant provided the victims in exchange for money were investments and that the victims relied on defendant to manage the investments and to provide a return on the investments, the instruments were “securities” within the meaning of Georgia’s blue sky law; that the amount of expected return was fixed was immaterial. Rasch v. State, 260 Ga. App. 379, 579 S.E.2d 817, 2003 Ga. App. LEXIS 390 (2003) (decided under former O.C.G.A. § 10-5-12). Standing. - Because plaintiff’s injuries did not flow directly from the commission of predicate acts by defendant, the plaintiff did not have standing to bring a RICO action. Longino v. Bank of Ellijay, 228 Ga. App. 37, 491 S.E.2d 81 (decided under former O.C.G.A. § 10-5-12). State limitation period applies in federal action for securities fraud. - Two-year statute of limitations was
applicable to an action alleging violations of 15 U.S.C. §§ 78j(b) and 78g, 17 C.F.R. 240.10b-5, and the common law of Georgia, in that plaintiffs were induced to trade their stock in a corporation for stock in another by misrepresentations in the latter’s financial statements. Osterneck v. E.T. Barwick Indus., Inc., 79 F.R.D. 47, 1978 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 17822 (N.D. Ga. 1978) (decided under former Ga. L. 1957, p. 134, as amended). Georgia Blue Sky Law are most analogous to § 10(b) of the federal Securities Exchange Act, and federal Rule 10b-5, and thus the two-year statute of limitations applies to § 10(b) and Rule 10b-5 claims. Friedlander v. Troutman, Sanders, Lockerman & Ashmore, 788 F.2d 1500, 1986 U.S. App. LEXIS 25076 (11th Cir. 1986) (decided under former O.C.G.A. §§ 10-5-12 and 10-5-14). Limitation period for federal action by defrauded seller. - Since under the securities law defrauded sellers have no remedy, the applicable statute of limitations for federal 10b-5 cases brought in Georgia by allegedly defrauded sellers is the four-year limitation associated with Georgia’s fraud remedy (see O.C.G.A. §§ 9-3-31, 51-6-1 et seq.) and not the two-year period found in the securities law. Kirk v. First Nat’l Bank, 439 F. Supp. 1141, 1977 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 13358 (M.D. Ga. 1977) (decided under former Ga. L. 1957, p. 134, as amended). Limitation period for action against broker for churning, margin violations. - Four-year period of limitations applicable to actions under Georgia’s general fraud statute (see O.C.G.A. §§ 9-3-31, 51-6-1 et seq.), and not the two-year limitation applicable to actions brought under former Code 1933, § 97-114, was applicable to causes of action alleged under both 15 U.S.C. § 78j(b) and 15 U.S.C. § 78g. McNeal v.
General Consideration (Cont’d) Paine, Webber, Jackson & Curtis, Inc., 598 F.2d 888, 1979 U.S. App. LEXIS 13305 (5th Cir. 1979) (Action not against principal in securities transaction for rescission; decided under former Ga. L. 1957, p. 134, as amended). State limitation period applied as existed when action accrued. - In a federal security case, the state statute of limitations was looked to as it existed when the cause of action accrued, for example, when the alleged churning by a broker took place. McNeal v. Paine, Webber, Jackson & Curtis, Inc., 598 F.2d 888, 1979 U.S. App. LEXIS 13305 (5th Cir. 1979) (decided under former Ga. L. 1957, p. 134, as amended). State need only prove date within period of limitations. - Defendant’s conviction for misstating a material fact to a victim in connection with the sale of a security for an indictment dated December 22, 2004, was properly proven by the state to have occurred within the four year statute of limitations period by the state establishing that the victim invested in the stock by two checks, dated November 28 and December 13, 2001, and the victim testified that the investment was made based on conversations with defendant during the months of October and November of 2001; as a result, the evidence was sufficient to show that defendant’s violative acts as to the sale of securities occurred within the period provided by the statute of limitations. Haupt v. State, 290 Ga. App. 616, 660 S.E.2d 383, 2008 Ga. App. LEXIS 250 (2008) (decided under former O.C.G.A. § 10-5-12). Shares of stock are “securities” which it is unlawful to sell in violation of subsection (a) of former Code 1933, § 97103 and former Code 1933, § 97-112. DeBoard v. Schulhofer, 156 Ga. App. 158, 273 S.E.2d 907, 1980 Ga. App. LEXIS 2923 (1980) (decided under former Code 1933, § 97-112). Demand promissory note and option to purchase shares of corporation given in exchange for checks for $12,500,000 was a transaction to which requirements of sub-
section (a) of former Code 1933, § 97-112 and former Code 1933, § 97-103 applied. DeBoard v. Schulhofer, 156 Ga. App. 158, 273 S.E.2d 907, 1980 Ga. App. LEXIS 2923 (1980) (decided under former Code 1933, § 97-112). Cause of action is expressly provided by former O.C.G.A. § 10-5-14(a) in favor of purchasers for the violation of paragraph (a)(2) of former O.C.G.A. § 105-12. Diamond v. Lamotte, 709 F.2d 1419, 1983 U.S. App. LEXIS 25755 (11th Cir. 1983) (decided under former O.C.G.A. § 10-5-12). Intent not element of crime under subsection (b). - Under counts charging the defendants with representations to the effect that the securities commissioner had passed upon the merits of the stock, an intent to deceive is not an essential element of the crime charged; the criminal act is complete upon the making of the representation. Curtis v. State, 102 Ga. App. 790, 118 S.E.2d 264, 1960 Ga. App. LEXIS 752 (1960) (decided under former Ga. L. 1957, p. 134). Scienter is element under subsection (a). - Trial court did not err in charging a jury that scienter was an element of securities fraud under former O.C.G.A. §§ 10-5-12(a)(2) and 10-5-14(a); further, the trial court properly charged the jury that justified reliance was an element of securities fraud. Keogler v. Krasnoff, 268 Ga. App. 250, 601 S.E.2d 788, 2004 Ga. App. LEXIS 886 (2004), cert. denied, No. S04C1876, 2005 Ga. LEXIS 106 (Ga. Jan. 24, 2005) (decided under former O.C.G.A. § 10-5-12). Two types of crimes are prohibited by this section: (1) the making of an intentional representation that by the filing of a registration statement, the commissioner of securities had passed upon the merits of the security and (2) the use of a device, scheme, or artifice to defraud, or the commission of any act, practice, or course of business which would operate as a fraud on the purchaser. In the former instance the making of the representation completes the criminal act, whereas in the latter instance an intent to defraud has to be shown. Curtis v. State, 102 Ga. App.
790, 118 S.E.2d 264, 1960 Ga. App. LEXIS 752 (1960) (decided under former Ga. L. 1957, p. 134). Physical presence unnecessary for venue of conspiracy. - If the jury finds defendants conspired to sell stock by means of practices and misrepresentations inhibited by this section, and pursuant to such conspiracy stock was in fact offered and the misrepresentations made in Hall County, the fact that the defendants were not physically present in the county at the time their agents put the scheme into operation does not operate to relieve the agents from being tried and convicted in such county. Curtis v. State, 102 Ga. App. 790, 118 S.E.2d 264, 1960 Ga. App. LEXIS 752 (1960) (decided under former Ga. L. 1957, p. 134). Transaction held as not taking place in Georgia. - When a plaintiff, a Georgia resident, and a defendant, a Tennessee resident, discussed by telephone an arrangement whereby the defendant’s company would serve as plaintiff’s investment advisor in trading of commodity futures, and the defendant mailed to the plaintiff two letter agreements setting out the contract terms, and the plaintiff signed the letters and returned the letters for signature of the other party, under Georgia law the transaction did not take place in Georgia. Rasmussen v. Thomson & McKinnon Auchincloss Kohlmeyer, Inc., 608 F.2d 175, 1979 U.S. App. LEXIS 9744 (5th Cir. 1979) (decided under former Code 1933, § 97-112). Transaction held as taking place in Georgia. - With regard to defendant’s convictions on two counts of making an untrue material statement of fact and omitting other material facts in selling stock, the state unequivocally proved venue in Chatham County, Georgia, by establishing, via a victim’s testimony, that the offense occurred within the Chatham County area and the evidence otherwise showed that the victim executed a relevant stock purchase agreement that included the language in the “State of Georgia, County of Chatham.” Haupt v. State, 290 Ga. App. 616, 660 S.E.2d 383,
2008 Ga. App. LEXIS 250 (2008) (decided under former O.C.G.A. § 10-5-12). Burden on controlling officer seeking to escape liability under subsection (a). - Former Code 1933, § 97-114 imposed liability upon controlling officer of corporation for transaction executed by corporate treasurer administering affairs in the officer’s absence, which transaction violated subsection (a) of former Code 1933, § 97-112 and former Code 1933, § 97-103, if the officer directly or indirectly controlled treasurer, unless the officer sustained burden of proof that the officer did not know, and in exercise of reasonable care could not have known, of existence of facts by reason of which liability was alleged to exist. DeBoard v. Schulhofer, 156 Ga. App. 158, 273 S.E.2d 907, 1980 Ga. App. LEXIS 2923 (1980) (decided under former Code 1933, § 97-112). To hold an individual to be an agent who has participated or aided in making sales of securities, the court must find that the individual was so entangled in the actual sale of securities that the individual’s activities were at least a substantial factor in the purchaser’s decision to buy the security and that the individual’s activities were either authorized or ratified by the issuer. In re N. Am. Acceptance Corp. Sec. Cases, 513 F. Supp. 608, 1981 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 18595 (N.D. Ga. 1981) (decided under former O.C.G.A. § 10-5-12). Civil liability for pre-1974 violations of anti-fraud provisions. - While Ga. L. 1973, p. 1202 now provides for express civil liability for anyone who violates its general anti-fraud provisions, former Code 1933, §§ 97-104, 97-112, 97-114, which apply to transactions occurring before April 1, 1974, provide for civil liability only as provided for in former Code 1933, § 97-114. In re N. Am. Acceptance Corp. Sec. Cases, 513 F. Supp. 608, 1981 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 18595 (N.D. Ga. 1981) (decided under former O.C.G.A. § 10-5-12). Prosecution did not abate due to the 1986 repeal and reenactment of former O.C.G.A. § 10-5-12 since the conduct with
General Consideration (Cont’d) which the defendant was charged and convicted was not decriminalized at any time during the various redefinitions of the statute. Greenhill v. State, 199 Ga. App. 218, 404 S.E.2d 577, 1991 Ga. App. LEXIS 469 (1991), cert. denied, No. S91C0894, 1991 Ga. LEXIS 706 (Ga. May 15, 1991) (decided under former O.C.G.A. § 10-5-12). Federal equitable tolling principles inapplicable. - As a claim under former O.C.G.A. § 10-5-12 could not be characterized as a federally created remedy, federal equitable tolling principles did not apply, and such a claim, brought over two years after the purchase of stock, was time-barred by former O.C.G.A. § 10-5-14. Wilkinson v. Paine, Webber, Jackson & Curtis, Inc., 585 F. Supp. 23, 1983 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 18251 (N.D. Ga. 1983) (decided under former O.C.G.A. § 10-5-12). Complaint not showing intent to defraud dismissed. - Motion to dismiss a complaint alleging violations of the Georgia Securities Act, the Uniform Limited Partnership Act, and common-law fraud was granted on the ground that the complaint did not show an intent to defraud. Currie v. Cayman Resources Corp., 595 F. Supp. 1364, 1984 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 23274 (N.D. Ga. 1984), aff’d in part and rev’d in part, 835 F.2d 780, 1988 U.S. App. LEXIS 217 (11th Cir. 1988) (decided under former O.C.G.A. § 10-5-12). Evidence of fraud possibly sufficient. - Trial court erred in granting the defendant broker’s motion to dismiss plaintiff’s claim of securities fraud for failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted because a statement of the broker made in connection with the sale of stock was possibly sufficient to warrant a grant of the relief sought. GCA Strategic Inv. Fund, Ltd. v. Joseph Charles & Assocs., 245 Ga. App. 460, 537 S.E.2d 677, 2000 Ga. App. LEXIS 922 (2000) (decided under former O.C.G.A. § 10-5-12). No claim where profits dependent on purchaser’s efforts. - When the return to be expected from the purchase of
securities depended in part upon the purchaser’s own efforts and not solely from the efforts of others, the purchaser has no claim under subsections (a)(2) or (d)(1) of former O.C.G.A. § 10-5-12. Nicholson v. Harris, 179 Ga. App. 35, 345 S.E.2d 63, 1986 Ga. App. LEXIS 1817 (1986) (decided under former O.C.G.A. § 10-5-12). Theft by taking did not merge with securities violation. - Defendant’s convictions for theft by taking under O.C.G.A. § 16-8-2 and for violating the Georgia Securities Act of 1973, former O.C.G.A. § 10-5-12 et seq., did not merge for sentencing purposes because the language of the statutes indicated that the offenses were separate offenses as a matter of law and because while theft required that the victim sustain a loss, a securities violation did not. Branan v. State, 285 Ga. App. 717, 647 S.E.2d 606, 2007 Ga. App. LEXIS 628 (2007) (decided under former O.C.G.A. § 10-5-12). Requested jury instruction properly refused. - Trial court did not err by failing to charge the jury that the reckless representation of facts as true without knowledge was actionable as a species of fraud without scienter; the proposed charge was an incorrect statement of law because it obviated the necessity to prove that the party making the alleged reckless misrepresentation intended to deceive the party relying thereon and the proposed charge was not precisely tailored or adjusted to the evidence. Keogler v. Krasnoff, 268 Ga. App. 250, 601 S.E.2d 788, 2004 Ga. App. LEXIS 886 (2004), cert. denied, No. S04C1876, 2005 Ga. LEXIS 106 (Ga. Jan. 24, 2005) (decided under former O.C.G.A. § 10-5-12). Court had no duty to charge jury on definition of “security.” - Trial court did not err, with regard to the defendant’s convictions on two counts of making an untrue material statement of fact and omitting other material facts in selling stock, by failing to sua sponte charge the jury on the statutory definition of the word “security” and other specifics as the record showed that the trial court properly charged the jury that the term security meant any stock or share or any
other instrument commonly known as a security, which was in consonance with the evidence and the Georgia Securities Act of 1973, former O.C.G.A. § 10-5-12(a)(1) and (2)(B); further, since the defendant made no request to charge, the trial court had no sua sponte duty to give a charge. Haupt v. State, 290 Ga. App. 616, 660 S.E.2d 383, 2008 Ga. App. LEXIS 250 (2008) (decided under former O.C.G.A. § 10-5-12). Scienter contemplates intent to deceive. - Scienter, for purposes of former O.C.G.A. § 10-5-12(a)(2), even if based on a reckless misrepresentation, contemplates the intent to deceive. Keogler v. Krasnoff, 268 Ga. App. 250, 601 S.E.2d 788, 2004 Ga. App. LEXIS 886 (2004), cert. denied, No. S04C1876, 2005 Ga. LEXIS 106 (Ga. Jan. 24, 2005) (decided under former O.C.G.A. § 10-5-12). It is not essential that criminal proceedings be instituted, but the commissioner has the right to issue an order to prohibit sales people from continuing the sale of questionable securities and also to apply for an injunction to restrain such acts and, further, to turn over any evidence to the district attorney, who may institute the necessary criminal proceedings. Cohen v. State, 101 Ga. App. 23, 112 S.E.2d 672, 1960 Ga. App. LEXIS 775 (1960) (decided under former Ga. L. 1957, p. 134). Provisions for initiating criminal proceedings not exclusive. - This section is permissive in character and provides for a manner of initiating criminal proceedings through the commissioner and Attorney General, but the statute is by no means intended to be exclusive, and the fact that the district attorney rather than the Attorney General appears before the grand jury, or that warrants are sworn out in the first instance and prior to the grand jury proceedings by affidavit of the individual prosecutors, in no way renders the indictment illegal. Curtis v. State, 99 Ga. App. 732, 109 S.E.2d 868, 1959 Ga. App. LEXIS 950 (1959) (decided under former Ga. L. 1957, p. 134). “Willfully.” - Court of Appeals of Georgia, First Division, concludes that the
term “willfully” in former O.C.G.A. § 10-5-13(a)(1)(A)(iv) has the same meaning that it has been construed to have in former O.C.G.A. § 10-5-24. Before any of the civil penalties of up to $50,000 for single violations and up to $500,000 for multiple violations can be imposed under former O.C.G.A. § 10-5-13(a)(1)(A)(iv), there must be a knowing and intentional violation of the Georgia Securities Act of 1973, former O.C.G.A. § 10-5-1 et seq. Garvin v. Sec’y of State, 266 Ga. App. 66, 596 S.E.2d 166, 2004 Ga. App. LEXIS 171 (2004), cert. denied, No. S04C1027, 2004 Ga. LEXIS 517 (Ga. June 7, 2004), rev’d sub nom. Cox v. Garvin, 278 Ga. 903, 607 S.E.2d 549, 2005 Ga. LEXIS 15 (2005), vacated in part, 272 Ga. App. 860, 614 S.E.2d 93, 2005 Ga. App. LEXIS 281 (2005) (decided under former O.C.G.A. § 10-5-13). Civil fines and cease and desist order. - Seller of investment contracts, whereby the seller sold an investment venture of payphones to a purchaser, who then leased back the phones for an expected fixed monthly return, was not properly sanctioned with a fine by the Commissioner of Securities pursuant to former O.C.G.A. § 10-5-13(a)(1)(A)(iv) since it was found that the seller had acted willfully, but there was no showing that the seller had acted in knowing and intentional violation of the Georgia Securities Act of 1973, former O.C.G.A. § 10-5-1 et seq.; the Commissioner’s issuance of a cease and desist order which was not limited solely to the willful acts of the seller was proper under former O.C.G.A. § 10-5-13(a)(1). Garvin v. Sec’y of State, 266 Ga. App. 66, 596 S.E.2d 166, 2004 Ga. App. LEXIS 171 (2004), cert. denied, No. S04C1027, 2004 Ga. LEXIS 517 (Ga. June 7, 2004), rev’d sub nom. Cox v. Garvin, 278 Ga. 903, 607 S.E.2d 549, 2005 Ga. LEXIS 15 (2005), vacated in part, 272 Ga. App. 860, 614 S.E.2d 93, 2005 Ga. App. LEXIS 281 (2005) (decided under former O.C.G.A. § 10-5-13). Construction with O.C.G.A. § 13-6-11. - Ancillary award of attorney fees and expenses in favor of a seller was ordered struck, pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 9-12-8, as: (1) the jury failed to find the buyers liable on the seller’s underlying
General Consideration (Cont’d) substantive claims; (2) the award was based on O.C.G.A. § 13-6-11, not former O.C.G.A. § 10-5-14; and, as a result, (3) the lack of a damages award in favor of the seller did not support the award. Davis v. Johnson, 280 Ga. App. 318, 634 S.E.2d 108, 2006 Ga. App. LEXIS 846 (2006) (decided under former O.C.G.A. § 10-5-14). Remedy afforded by section is not sole remedy which a purchaser of securities is entitled to pursue. Turpin v. Wilson, 133 Ga. App. 239, 211 S.E.2d 316, 1974 Ga. App. LEXIS 1031 (1974) (noting subsection (e) of former Code 1933, § 97-114 preserves former Ga. L. 1957, p. 134, § 13(c)). Although former O.C.G.A. § 10-5-14 prevented a purchaser of unregistered securities from pursuing civil damages arising from their sale, this statute of limitation did not otherwise prevent the purchaser from arguing that the contract remained unlawful and unenforceable because the passage of two years did not erase the unlawful nature of the underlying contract, but merely limited the remedies available. Carter v. Moody, 236 Ga. App. 262, 511 S.E.2d 520 (decided under former O.C.G.A. § 10-5-14). Cause of action is expressly provided by subsection (a) of former O.C.G.A. § 10-5-14 in favor of purchasers for the violation of former O.C.G.A. § 105-12(a)(2). Diamond v. Lamotte, 709 F.2d 1419, 1983 U.S. App. LEXIS 25755 (11th Cir. 1983) (considering sales made before April 1, 1974, the effective date of this chapter, but noting two-year limitation appears in both Ga. L. 1957, p. 134, § 13(a), and subsection (c) of former O.C.G.A. § 10-5-14). Remedy limited to buyer. - This section limits the civil remedy to the buyer of a security. Kirk v. First Nat’l Bank, 439 F. Supp. 1141, 1977 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 13358 (M.D. Ga. 1977) (decided under former Ga. L. 1957, p. 134, as amended). It is clear that only buyers of security shall have a remedy for fraud. Kirk v. First Nat’l Bank, 439 F. Supp. 1141, 1977 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 13358 (M.D. Ga. 1977)
(decided under former Ga. L. 1957, p. 134, as amended). Party who was both attorney for the transfer and a transferee of the stock was a purchaser and had standing to sue the sellers under subsection (a) of former O.C.G.A. § 10-5-14. Bell v. Sasser, 238 Ga. App. 843, 520 S.E.2d 287, 1999 Ga. App. LEXIS 966 (1999) (decided under former O.C.G.A. § 10-5-14). Right of action against any transferor. - Legislative intent under the securities laws has been to give the right of action against the party transferring the title to the unregistered stock, whether the title was transferred by the original issuance of the stock or a transfer of stock already issued. Such an intent provides protection for different transferees who might have paid various prices for the stock. Utzman v. Caribbean & S.E. Dev. Corp., 107 Ga. App. 56, 129 S.E.2d 62, 1962 Ga. App. LEXIS 568 (1962) (decided under Ga. L. 1957, p. 134, as amended). Any sale violating securities law voidable by purchaser. - This section provides that any sale of securities in violation of the securities law shall be voidable at the election only of the purchaser. Collins v. Norton, 136 Ga. App. 105, 220 S.E.2d 279, 1975 Ga. App. LEXIS 1262 (1975) (decided under former Code 1933, § 97-114). No action for violation of former O.C.G.A. § 10-5-12(d). - Although the Georgia Securities Act does have a provision tracking the language of Securities and Exchange Rule 10b-5, former O.C.G.A. § 10-5-12(d), no cause of action was expressly provided for its violation. Diamond v. Lamotte, 709 F.2d 1419, 1983 U.S. App. LEXIS 25755 (11th Cir. 1983) (decided under former O.C.G.A. §§ 10-5-12 and 10-5-14). Right of rescission. - Purchaser of securities sold without compliance with the prescribed regulations, who is not in pari delicto with the seller, may, within a specified or reasonable time, rescind the transaction and recover the money or other compensation paid therefore. Nash v. Jones, 224 Ga. 372, 162 S.E.2d 392, 1968 Ga. LEXIS 785 (1968) (decided under former Ga. L. 1957, p. 134, as amended).
Purported offers of rescission, stating that “you have the opportunity to rescind your subscription ... by letter notice to us within 72 hours after receipt of this letter,” did not meet the specific requirements of paragraph (d)(1) of former O.C.G.A. § 10-5-14 in that they did not (1) offer repayment of consideration; (2) within 30 days from the date of acceptance with (3) accrued interest thereon. Binder v. Gordian Sec., Inc., 742 F. Supp. 663, 1990 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 8915 (N.D. Ga. 1990) (decided under former O.C.G.A. § 10-5-14). Action for money had and received is substitute for suit in equity and, while founded on causes of action arising out of application of equitable principles, is an action at law by reason of its origin as a mode of action in the common-law courts. Turpin v. Wilson, 133 Ga. App. 239, 211 S.E.2d 316, 1974 Ga. App. LEXIS 1031 (1974) (decided under former Ga. L. 1957, p. 134, as amended). Securities not delivered, refund refused. - It is not inappropriate for a purchaser to pursue recovery on a theory of assumpsit or money had and received when the defendant fails to deliver the securities contracted for and refuses to refund the moneys received from the purchaser. Turpin v. Wilson, 133 Ga. App. 239, 211 S.E.2d 316, 1974 Ga. App. LEXIS 1031 (1974) (decided under former Ga. L. 1957, p. 134, as amended). Trial court did not err in charging a jury that scienter is an element of securities fraud under former O.C.G.A. §§ 10-512(a)(2) and 10-5-14(a); further, the trial court properly charged the jury that justified reliance is an element of securities fraud. Keogler v. Krasnoff, 268 Ga. App. 250, 601 S.E.2d 788, 2004 Ga. App. LEXIS 886 (2004), cert. denied, No. S04C1876, 2005 Ga. LEXIS 106 (Ga. Jan. 24, 2005) (decided under former O.C.G.A. § 10-5-14). Tender of security into court is sufficient tender, even though no other tender has been made. Rushing v. Williams, 125 Ga. App. 601, 188 S.E.2d 437, 1972 Ga. App. LEXIS 1421 (1972) (decided under former Ga. L. 1957, p. 134, as amended). Purchaser was not required to tender the original stock certificates when the
purchaser tendered certificates equal to the number of shares purchased. Bell v. Sasser, 238 Ga. App. 843, 520 S.E.2d 287, 1999 Ga. App. LEXIS 966 (1999) (decided under former O.C.G.A. § 10-5-14). Purchaser’s issuance of additional shares of stock to new investors following the sale did not affect the purchaser’s entitlement to the repurchase remedy. Bell v. Sasser, 238 Ga. App. 843, 520 S.E.2d 287, 1999 Ga. App. LEXIS 966 (1999) (decided under former O.C.G.A. § 10-5-14). Attorney’s fees. - Purchaser of securities who became director and key employee of corporation had no claim for attorney’s fees in an abortive action for violation of the Securities Act. Nicholson v. Harris, 179 Ga. App. 35, 345 S.E.2d 63, 1986 Ga. App. LEXIS 1817 (1986) (decided under former O.C.G.A. § 10-5-14). Former O.C.G.A. § 10-5-114 did not permit recovery of all attorney fees in a multicount action; only fees attributable to claims under the Georgia Securities Act are recoverable. Huggins v. Chapin, 233 Ga. App. 109, 503 S.E.2d 356. Schemes to Defraud Editor’s notes. - Subsection (d) was added to former O.C.G.A. § 10-5-12 by Ga. L. 1975, p. 928, § 24, and amended by Ga. L. 1979, p. 1296, § 8. As amended, it was now similar to the last paragraph of former Ga. L. 1957, p. 134, § 11, which was repealed by Ga. L. 1973, p. 1202, § 26. Most of the cases cited below were decided under the 1957 Act, as indicated. What constitutes “securities.” - For purposes of a criminal conviction under the Georgia Securities Act of 1973, former O.C.G.A. § 10-5-12 et seq., a scheme whereby the defendant convinced the victims to invest in boat docks, slips, or storage docks with a return on the victims’ investment in a year involved “securities” because there was an investment and a reasonable expectation of profits and the victims relied on the defendant to bring about the profits. Branan v. State, 285 Ga. App. 717, 647 S.E.2d 606, 2007 Ga. App. LEXIS 628 (2007) (decided under former O.C.G.A. § 10-5-12). Only buyers have remedy. - Only buyers of security shall have a remedy for
Schemes to Defraud (Cont’d) fraud. Kirk v. First Nat’l Bank, 439 F. Supp. 1141, 1977 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 13358 (M.D. Ga. 1977) (decided under former Code 1933, § 97-112). Inhibits use of scheme with intent to defraud. - Existence of the scheme, device, or artifice, and its use with an intent to defraud, regardless of outcome, constitutes the inhibited act. Curtis v. State, 99 Ga. App. 732, 109 S.E.2d 868, 1959 Ga. App. LEXIS 950 (1959) (decided under former Ga. L. 1957, p. 134); Curtis v. State, 102 Ga. App. 790, 118 S.E.2d 264, 1960 Ga. App. LEXIS 752 (1960) (decided under former Ga. L. 1957, p. 134). Whether fraud results or not. - Under this section, which penalizes any device, scheme or artifice to defraud, it is necessary only to prove the false statement and that the statement was made with an intent to defraud, whether fraud resulted or not. Curtis v. State, 99 Ga. App. 732, 109 S.E.2d 868, 1959 Ga. App. LEXIS 950 (1959) (decided under former Ga. L. 1957, p. 134). This section makes it a penal offense to do certain acts which would operate as a fraud regardless of whether a fraud was in fact successfully perpetrated or not. Cohen v. State, 101 Ga. App. 23, 112 S.E.2d 672, 1960 Ga. App. LEXIS 775 (1960) (decided under former Ga. L. 1957, p. 134). This section does not require the accomplished overt act of defrauding a person, but it is the use of the scheme, trick, or artifice with an intent to deceive which is prohibited. Curtis v. State, 102 Ga. App. 790, 118 S.E.2d 264, 1960 Ga. App. LEXIS 752 (1960) (decided under former Ga. L. 1957, p. 134). Intent, not loss, subject matter of crime. - Scheme to defraud is such a scheme as is initiated by the perpetrator with an intent to defraud another and cause the other to suffer a pecuniary loss, but the intent, not the loss, is the subject matter of the crime. Curtis v. State, 99 Ga. App. 732, 109 S.E.2d 868, 1959 Ga. App. LEXIS 950 (1959) (decided under former Ga. L. 1957, p. 134); Curtis v. State, 102 Ga. App. 790, 118 S.E.2d 264, 1960 Ga. App. LEXIS 752 (1960) (decided under former Ga. L. 1957, p. 134).
Intent to defraud is the gist of an offense under that portion of this section which prohibits the use of a device, scheme, or artifice to defraud. Curtis v. State, 102 Ga. App. 790, 118 S.E.2d 264, 1960 Ga. App. LEXIS 752 (1960) (decided under former Ga. L. 1957, p. 134). Victim’s reaction to fraudulent practice is not essential element before a conviction is authorized. Curtis v. State, 102 Ga. App. 790, 118 S.E.2d 264, 1960 Ga. App. LEXIS 752 (1960) (decided under former Ga. L. 1957, p. 134). Defrauding in fact need not be alleged. - It is not necessary in an indictment to allege that the victim was in fact defrauded. Curtis v. State, 99 Ga. App. 732, 109 S.E.2d 868, 1959 Ga. App. LEXIS 950 (1959) (decided under former Ga. L. 1957, p. 134). Purpose of this section, making it unlawful in any transaction involving an offer to sell or buy securities to employ any scheme or device to defraud or engage in any act which would operate as a fraud upon a purchaser or seller, is to prevent practices in connection with the purchase or sale of such securities which are carried on with intent to defraud. An indictment alleging such a scheme or transaction is not subject to general demurrer (now motion to dismiss) although it fails to allege that the victim was in fact defrauded, since the only criminal intent necessary to be proved is the intent to defraud in the commission of the act or acts denounced by the statute. Curtis v. State, 99 Ga. App. 732, 109 S.E.2d 868, 1959 Ga. App. LEXIS 950 (1959) (decided under former Ga. L. 1957, p. 134). Section also punishes scheme that operates or would operate as fraud. - While this section penalizes a false statement made with intent to defraud, whether loss is sustained or not, it also provides for punishment of a scheme or artifice which “operates or would operate” as a fraud, and thus subjects the offender to punishment (a) in the event the scheme to defraud actually operates as a fraud or (b) would, if successfully consummated according to the intentions of the perpetrator, be a fraud on the purchaser, even though it did not in fact so result. Curtis v. State, 99 Ga. App. 732, 109
S.E.2d 868, 1959 Ga. App. LEXIS 950 (1959) (decided under former Ga. L. 1957, p. 134). If operation alleged as fraud, allegations must support conclusion. - When it is alleged that a certain act, practice, or transaction operated as a fraud and the indictment sets out the facts on which the state relies to prove this allegation, it is necessary, as against appropriate special demurrer, that the facts alleged sustain the conclusion that the transaction did in fact operate as a fraud against the named purchaser of stock. Curtis v. State, 99 Ga. App. 732, 109 S.E.2d 868, 1959 Ga. App. LEXIS 950 (1959) (decided under former Ga. L. 1957, p. 134). If operation alleged as fraud, pecuniary loss must be alleged. - Indictment is defective which alleges that a certain scheme did operate as a fraud upon the person who purchased the stocks, but does not also allege that the person defrauded also suffered a pecuniary loss. Curtis v. State, 99 Ga. App. 732, 109 S.E.2d 868, 1959 Ga. App. LEXIS 950 (1959) (decided under former Ga. L. 1957, p. 134). Each count of defrauding separate person charges separate offense. - When each count of the indictment charges the accused with defrauding a separate and distinct person in a separate and distinct transaction of a stated amount of money, each count therefore charges the commission of a separate and distinct offense, which is clearly authorized. Strauss v. Stynchcombe, 224 Ga. 859, 165 S.E.2d 302, 1968 Ga. LEXIS 977 (1968) (decided under Ga. L. 1957, p. 134). Defrauding in fact must be proved. - When a completed fraud is alleged, it is necessary to show the elements thereof, that is, that some person was in fact defrauded. Cohen v. State, 101 Ga. App. 23, 112 S.E.2d 672, 1960 Ga. App. LEXIS 775 (1960) (decided under former Ga. L. 1957, p. 134). Fact that misrepresentations are occasional and isolated will not constitute defense so long as defendants direct the misrepresentations to be made, the misrepresentations are falsely made,
the misrepresentations are made with intent to defraud, and are such as would operate as a fraud on the purchaser. Curtis v. State, 102 Ga. App. 790, 118 S.E.2d 264, 1960 Ga. App. LEXIS 752 (1960) (decided under former Ga. L. 1957, p. 134). Jury may consider activities during formation of corporation. - Activities occurring during the formation of the corporation, including the sale of the stock, from which transaction the alleged violation of the securities law occurred, are properly considered by the jury when determining the defendants’ intentions. Curtis v. State, 102 Ga. App. 790, 118 S.E.2d 264, 1960 Ga. App. LEXIS 752 (1960) (decided under former Ga. L. 1957, p. 134). Isolated transaction might or might not be sufficient evidence of scheme to defraud, and it cannot be said that such is not contemplated by the law. Curtis v. State, 102 Ga. App. 790, 118 S.E.2d 264, 1960 Ga. App. LEXIS 752 (1960) (decided under former Ga. L. 1957, p. 134). Evidence sufficient to prove scheme to defraud. - Considering the victim’s testimony concerning representations made by defendant and the statements in the defendant’s proposal regarding profitable investment portfolio applications of the victim’s funds, the evidence was sufficient to prove a scheme in violation of subsection (h) of former O.C.G.A. § 10-5-12. Moss v. State, 209 Ga. App. 486, 433 S.E.2d 692, 1993 Ga. App. LEXIS 902 (1993), cert. denied, No. S93C1612, 1993 Ga. LEXIS 899 (Ga. Oct. 5, 1993) (decided under former O.C.G.A. § 10-5-12). Evidence was sufficient to support the defendant’s convictions on those securities fraud counts in which the state proved the defendant made misrepresentations to the defendant’s victims that the defendant would invest the money the victims gave the defendant; but on those counts when no such evidence was presented, the defendant’s convictions were reversed. Rasch v. State, 260 Ga. App. 379, 579 S.E.2d 817, 2003 Ga. App. LEXIS 390 (2003) (decided under former O.C.G.A. § 10-5-12). Evidence held sufficient to support conspiracy convictions. - When the
Schemes to Defraud (Cont’d) evidence discloses that sales people were instructed by the defendants to make certain representations, which were ultimately shown to be false, for the purpose of securing purchasers of stock in the corporation, a finding that an unlawful scheme was entered into by and between the defendants and was perpetrated to defraud the investors is authorized, and supports conspiracy convictions. Curtis v. State, 102 Ga. App. 790, 118 S.E.2d 264, 1960 Ga. App. LEXIS 752 (1960) (decided under Ga. L. 1957, p. 134). Instruction on right to rely on statements properly refused. - It is not error for the trial court to refuse a requested charge based on the theory that without a relationship of trust or fiduciary relationship a purchaser has no right blindly to rely on general statements and must exercise precaution to ascertain their basis of fact. Curtis v. State, 102 Ga. App. 790, 118 S.E.2d 264, 1960 Ga. App. LEXIS 752 (1960) (decided under former Ga. L. 1957, p. 134). No cause of action for violation of subsection (d). - Although the Georgia Securities Act does have a provision tracking the language of Securities and Exchange Rule 10b-5, subsection (d) of former O.C.G.A. § 10-5-12, no cause of action was expressly provided for subsection (d)’s violation. Diamond v. Lamotte, 709 F.2d 1419, 1983 U.S. App. LEXIS 25755 (11th Cir. 1983) (decided under former O.C.G.A. § 10-5-12). Liability of Controlling Persons, Partners, Executive Officers, and Directors Liability under former subsection (b) was predicated on control of agent, and habit and course of dealing may be considered in determining agency. DeBoard v. Schulhofer, 156 Ga. App. 158, 273 S.E.2d 907, 1980 Ga. App. LEXIS 2923 (1980) (decided under former Code 1933, § 97-114). Director or officer not liable absent participation. - Director or officer of a corporation is not liable, merely because of the director’s official character, for the
fraud or false representations of the other officers or agents of the corporation or for fraud attributable to the corporation itself, if such director or officer is not personally connected with the wrong and does not participate in the wrong. Hamilton Bank & Trust Co. v. Holliday, 469 F. Supp. 1229, 1979 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 12582 (N.D. Ga. 1979) (decided under former Code 1933, § 97-114). Outside directors exercising reasonable care deemed exempt. - Outside directors of a corporation - i.e., those who are not full-time employees of the corporation - who exercise reasonable care in carrying out their duties are exempt from liability as controlling persons. Hamilton Bank & Trust Co. v. Holliday, 469 F. Supp. 1229, 1979 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 12582 (N.D. Ga. 1979) (decided under former Code 1933, § 97-114). Burden of establishing defendant as “controlling person”. - Plaintiff bears the burden of establishing that a given defendant is a “controlling person” under the provisions of subsection (c) of former O.C.G.A. § 10-5-14. Such defendant, however, may then assert the so-called “good faith” affirmative defense to “controlling person” liability. Binder v. Gordian Sec., Inc., 742 F. Supp. 663, 1990 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 8915 (N.D. Ga. 1990) (decided under former O.C.G.A. § 10-5-14). Controlling officer estopped from asserting lack of responsibility. - In action seeking to impose liability under former subsection (c) of this section upon controlling officer of corporation, when there was evidence from which inference is authorized that sums from transaction were deposited in accounts controlled by such officer, the officer’s failure to offer to return these amounts, if the jury believed the officer had in fact received them, estops the officer from asserting any lack of responsibility for the transaction. DeBoard v. Schulhofer, 156 Ga. App. 158, 273 S.E.2d 907, 1980 Ga. App. LEXIS 2923 (1980) (decided under former Code 1933, § 97-114). Assumption of risks inferred from affirmation of unauthorized act. - Under former subsection (c) of this section, when one becomes aware of facts
sufficient to put one on notice of an unauthorized act and affirms the act without further investigation, there may be an inference of willingness to assume concomitant risks. DeBoard v. Schulhofer, 156 Ga. App. 158, 273 S.E.2d 907, 1980 Ga. App. LEXIS 2923 (1980) (decided under former Code 1933, § 97-114). Purchaser who was given power of attorney to record the transfer of stock on the books of the corporation at the time of the sale was not thereby rendered jointly and severally liable for the sale of unregistered securities. Bell v. Sasser, 238 Ga. App. 843, 520 S.E.2d 287, 1999 Ga. App. LEXIS 966 (1999) (decided under former O.C.G.A. § 10-5-14). Statute of Limitations Common-law fraud. - Common-law fraud claim, governed by four-year statute of limitations, was not reduced to the two-year period applicable to violations of securities laws simply because the alleged fraud involved the sale of stock. Stricker v. Epstein, 213 Ga. App. 226, 444 S.E.2d 91, 1994 Ga. App. LEXIS 524 (1994), cert. denied, No. S94C1353, 1994 Ga. LEXIS 927 (Ga. Sept. 8, 1994) (decided under former O.C.G.A. § 10-5-14). Federal equitable tolling principles inapplicable. - As a claim under former O.C.G.A. § 10-5-12 could not be characterized as a federally created remedy, federal equitable tolling principles did not apply, and such a claim, brought over two years after the purchase of stock, was time-barred. Wilkinson v. Paine, Webber, Jackson & Curtis, Inc., 585 F. Supp. 23, 1983 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 18251 (N.D. Ga. 1983) (decided under former O.C.G.A. § 10-5-14). Action for gross negligence. - Cause of action for gross negligence in failing to discover and communicate the true facts and circumstances surrounding a corporation could arise solely by virtue of the securities laws as the laws exist at the time of the sales involved. No action to recover the purchase price of a security in violation of the securities law can be brought after two years from the date of such sale or contract for sale. Dehler v. Setliff, 143 Ga. App. 430, 238 S.E.2d 723,
1977 Ga. App. LEXIS 2349 (1977) (considering sales made before April 1, 1974, but noting two-year limitation appears in both Ga. L. 1957, p. 134, § 13(a), and subsection (c) of former Code 1933, § 97-114; decided under former Code 1933, § 97-114). Section 10(b) and Rule 10(b)(5) claims. - Applicable statute of limitations to be applied with respect to claims brought pursuant to § 10(b) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 and SEC Rule 10(b)(5) is the two-year limitations period found in former O.C.G.A. § 10-5-14. Pidcock v. Sunnyland Am., Inc., 682 F. Supp. 1563, 1987 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 10703 (S.D. Ga. 1987), rev’d, 854 F.2d 443, 1988 U.S. App. LEXIS 12138 (11th Cir. 1988) (decided under former O.C.G.A. § 10-5-14). For purposes of a suit brought pursuant to § 10(b) of the federal Securities Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder, against the actual sellers of the securities in question, Georgia’s twoyear statute of limitations applies. Currie v. Cayman Resources Corp., 595 F. Supp. 1364, 1984 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 23274 (N.D. Ga. 1984), aff’d in part and rev’d in part, 835 F.2d 780, 1988 U.S. App. LEXIS 217 (11th Cir. 1988) (decided under former O.C.G.A. § 10-5-14). Federal action for securities fraud. - Two-year limitation period in this section, rather than the four-year limitation period pertinent to common-law fraud actions (see now O.C.G.A. §§ 9-3-31 and 51-6-1 et seq.), is applicable to federal security cases, as the state security law more nearly effectuates the goals of the federal securities laws. Osterneck v. E.T. Barwick Indus., Inc., 79 F.R.D. 47, 1978 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 17822 (N.D. Ga. 1978) (plaintiffs allegedly induced to trade stock by misrepresentations in financial statements; decided under former Code 1933, § 97-114). Federal churning claims. - Two-year state limitation applies to federal churning claims asserted under § 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Miller v. Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Inc., 572
Statute of Limitations (Cont’d) F. Supp. 1180, 1983 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 13018 (N.D. Ga. 1983) (decided under former O.C.G.A. § 10-5-14). When limitations period begins to run. - Two-year period under former O.C.G.A. § 10-5-14 begins to run at the moment plaintiff actually discovered, or in the exercise of reasonable diligence should have discovered the alleged federal securities law violation. Pidcock v. Sunnyland Am., Inc., 682 F. Supp. 1563, 1987 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 10703 (S.D. Ga. 1987), rev’d, 854 F.2d 443, 1988 U.S. App. LEXIS 12138 (11th Cir. 1988) (decided under former O.C.G.A. § 10-5-14). Federal law determines when period begins to run. - When a state limitation period is applied in an action for violating federal securities law, federal law determines when the limitation period begins to run. Osterneck v. E.T. Barwick Indus., Inc., 79 F.R.D. 47, 1978 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 17822 (N.D. Ga. 1978) (decided under former Ga. L. 1957, p. 134, as amended). Statute of limitations in an action under § 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 is taken from the state law remedy which bears the closest resemblance since the federal securities
laws do not establish a specific time period in which an action must be filed, but the time at which the action accrues and the statute begins to run is a question of federal law. Kennedy v. Tallant, 710 F.2d 711, 1983 U.S. App. LEXIS 25431 (11th Cir. 1983) (decided under former O.C.G.A. § 10-5-14). Tolling of limitations by fraudulent concealment. - Statements made to investors to the effect that counsel were working to recover misappropriated assets, which would be used to repay the investors, were essentially opinions that did not support fraudulent concealment so as to toll the two-year limitation of subsection (d). Barton v. Peterson, 733 F. Supp. 1482, 1990 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 3727 (N.D. Ga. 1990) (decided under former O.C.G.A. § 10-5-14). Tolling of limitations in federal action for securities fraud. - Former O.C.G.A. § 10-5-14 applied in an action brought under § 10(b) of the federal Securities and Exchange Act of 1934. Though the statute of limitations is borrowed from state law, tolling is governed by federal law. Leonard v. Stuart-James Co., 742 F. Supp. 653, 1990 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 8497 (N.D. Ga. 1990) (decided under former O.C.G.A. § 10-5-14).
RESEARCH REFERENCES Am. Jur. 2d. 69A Am. Jur. 2d, Securities Regulation - State, §§ 10 et seq., 80, 81, 92, 96. C.J.S. 79A C.J.S., Securities Regulation and Commodity Futures Trading Regulation, §§ 495 et seq., 579 et seq., 590 et seq. ALR. Rights inter se of customers whose securities have been repledged by broker, 1 A.L.R. 664; 24 A.L.R. 479; 48 A.L.R. 803; 76 A.L.R. 794. Liability of public corporation for money received by it for unlawfully issued instrument of indebtedness, 7 A.L.R. 353. Measure of damages for fraud inducing the purchase of corporate securities, 57 A.L.R. 1142; 108 A.L.R. 1060. Fraud: necessity for knowledge of falsity of representation as to value, induc-
ing subscription to or purchase of corporate stock or other securities, 73 A.L.R. 1120. Duty of stockbroker, in performance of obligation to deliver certificate of stock or other security, to tender identical certificate or security, 75 A.L.R. 746. Duty of stockbroker in respect of demand for additional margins before selling securities carried on margin, 76 A.L.R. 1517. Delay by stockbroker in executing customer’s order to buy or sell, or in tendering to customer securities purchased on his account, 77 A.L.R. 308. Liability of transferrer of corporate stock for calls or assessments as affected by insolvency, fraud, or illegality in transfer, 86 A.L.R. 57. Personal liability of directors to holders
of corporate securities because of false statements therein, 99 A.L.R. 852. Damages for fraud inducing the purchase of corporate securities, 108 A.L.R. 1060. Assignability or survivability of cause of action to enforce civil liability under securities Acts, 133 A.L.R. 1038. Liability of seller to purchaser of invalid nonnegotiable public warrants, bonds, certificates, 139 A.L.R. 1426. Personal civil liability of corporate officers and directors in case of sale of bonds or stock in violation of statutory requirements, 144 A.L.R. 1356. Effect of fraud to toll the period for bringing action prescribed in statute creating the right of action, 15 A.L.R.2d 500. Who, other than officers and directors of a corporation, is civilly liable under the state securities Acts (Blue Sky Laws) for purchase price of unauthorized securities, 59 A.L.R.2d 1030. Corporate insider’s nondisclosure of information to seller or purchaser of corporation’s stock as manipulative or deceptive device prohibited by § 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. § 78j(b)), 22 A.L.R.3d 793. Stockbroker’s liability for allegedly “churning” or engaging customer’s account in excessive activity, 32 A.L.R.3d 635. What amounts to participation by corporate officer or agent in illegal issuance of security, in order to impose liability upon him under state securities regulations, 44 A.L.R.3d 588. Attorney’s preparation of legal document incident to sale of securities as rendering him liable under state securities regulation statutes, 62 A.L.R.3d 252. Duty to disclose material facts to stock purchaser, 80 A.L.R.3d 13. What gives rise to right of recession under state blue-sky laws, 52 A.L.R. 5th 491. When is it unnecessary to show direct reliance on misrepresentation or omission in civil securities fraud action under
§ 10(b) of Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 USCS § 78j(b)) and SEC Rule 10b-5 (17 CFR § 240.10b-5), 93 A.L.R. Fed. 444. Who may be liable in civil action, under § 12(1) of Securities Act of 1933 (15 USCS § 77l(1)), for selling or offering securities for sale in violation of registration or prospectus provisions of Act - post-Pinter cases, 105 A.L.R. Fed. 725. Who may be liable in actions under § 12(2) of Securities Act of 1933 (15 USCS § 77l (2)), on basis of false or misleading statement in prospectus or oral communication, 106 A.L.R. Fed. 753. Defense of ignorance of untruth or omission in civil action under § 12(2) of Securities Act of 1933 (15 USCS § 771(2)), 109 A.L.R. Fed. 444. Conduct creating civil liability, under § 12(2) of Securities Act of 1933 (15 USC § 77l(2)), based on misrepresentations in or omissions from prospectus or oral communication regarding sale of security, 112 A.L.R. Fed. 387. Standard of liability in private actions under § 14(a) of Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 USCS § 78n(a)) and SEC rules thereunder, 125 A.L.R. Fed. 377. Scienter requirement in actions under antifraud provision of Investment Advisers Act (15 USCS § 80b-6), 133 A.L.R. Fed. 549. What constitutes “willfulness” for purposes of criminal provisions of federal securities laws, 136 A.L.R. Fed 457. Limitations of actions with respect to actions for contribution under § 10(b) of Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 USCA § 78j(b)) and SEC Rule 10b-5 (17 CFR § 240.10b-5), 146 A.L.R. Fed. 643. Assertion of double jeopardy defense based on sanction sought or imposed during civil or administrative proceeding initiated by securities and exchange commission or national securities organization or exchange, 147 A.L.R. Fed. 585. What constitutes “inquiry notice” sufficient to commence running of statute of limitations in securities fraud action - Post-Lampf cases, 148 A.L.R. Fed. 629.