March, 2025 | Based in Rosenberg, TX
If you’ve been financially impacted by KEVIN JOHN HERNE’s misconduct, don’t hesitate to take action. Call 800-950-6553 or complete our online form today to schedule your no-obligation case evaluation and learn about your recovery options.
Critical Details About KEVIN JOHN HERNE
- Full Name: KEVIN JOHN HERNE
- CRD Number: 5320629
- Current Status: Not currently registered
- Last Employer: LPL FINANCIAL LLC (terminated February 2023)
- Former Office Address: ROSENBERG, TX
- Professional Designations: Certified Financial Planner
- Industry Experience: Since 2007
- FINRA BrokerCheck: Multiple serious disclosures including:
- Pending FINRA regulatory action
- Pending felony charge
- Prior criminal record
- Employment termination for failure to disclose felony charge
- Outstanding civil judgment/lien
- Previous Employers: LPL Financial LLC (2008-2023), Wealth Enhancement Brokerage Services, LLC (2016-2017), Securian Financial Services, Inc. (2007-2008)
- Recovery Potential: Clients may have options through FINRA arbitration based on timing and circumstances
Investigation Overview: Serious Regulatory and Criminal Concerns
Our securities fraud attorneys are investigating former financial advisor KEVIN JOHN HERNE (CRD# 5320629), who was most recently registered with LPL Financial LLC in Rosenberg, Texas. This investigation stems from alarming disclosures in his regulatory history, including a pending FINRA action, serious criminal charges, and employment termination for misconduct.
According to his FINRA BrokerCheck record, HERNE is currently facing a FINRA complaint alleging that he “willfully failed to disclose on his Form U4 that he had been charged with a felony.” The complaint specifically states that HERNE was charged with “Continuous Violence Against the Family,” a felony offense under Texas law, and that he deliberately concealed this information from both regulators and his employing firm for more than two years.
HERNE’s employment with LPL Financial was terminated in February 2023 specifically for “failure to timely report felony charge to Firm.” This pattern of non-disclosure is particularly concerning as it involves a violent criminal charge that customers and employers would have considered highly material to their decision to work with him.
What makes this case especially troubling is that HERNE operated under the business name “Herne Wealth Management, LLC” while allegedly concealing serious criminal charges from both his firm and clients. This raises significant concerns about his integrity, trustworthiness, and fitness to serve as a financial advisor.
Background and Professional History
KEVIN JOHN HERNE entered the securities industry in 2007, when he first registered with Securian Financial Services, Inc. His employment history includes:
- LPL Financial LLC (November 2008 – March 2023)
- Wealth Enhancement Brokerage Services, LLC (August 2016 – September 2017)
- Securian Financial Services, Inc. (June 2007 – September 2008)
HERNE has passed the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) Examination, General Securities Representative Examination (Series 7), and Uniform Combined State Law Examination (Series 66). He also held the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation, which requires adherence to high ethical standards.
In addition to his role as a financial advisor, HERNE operated several business activities under different names:
- Herne Wealth Management, LLC (a DBA for his LPL business)
- Non-variable insurance sales
- Real estate rental property
Red Flags in HERNE’s Record
HERNE’s BrokerCheck report reveals multiple serious concerns that investors should be aware of:
1. Pending FINRA Regulatory Action
In January 2025, FINRA initiated a formal complaint against HERNE (Docket #2022076589301) alleging that he willfully failed to disclose a felony charge on his Form U4. According to FINRA, “The felony charge against Herne was a material fact that a reasonable employer, customer, prospective customer, or regulator would have viewed as relevant to Herne’s business and employment.”
FINRA’s use of the term “willfully” is significant, as it indicates an intentional act of concealment rather than a mere oversight.
2. Pending Felony Charge for Violent Crime
Perhaps most concerning is HERNE’s pending felony charge for “Continuous Violence Against the Family” filed in May 2020 in Harris County District Court (Case #167549101010-3). This serious charge involves allegations of ongoing domestic violence.
The nature of this pending charge is particularly troubling for a financial professional entrusted with managing clients’ assets and financial futures. Such charges raise legitimate questions about judgment, character, and trustworthiness.
3. Prior Criminal Record
HERNE previously faced both felony and misdemeanor charges in 2004. Court records from the 390th Judicial District Court in Travis County, Texas (Cause #2-04-4486 & #679925) show he was charged with:
- Tampering with a Government Record (felony, 3rd degree) – Dismissed
- Resisting Arrest (misdemeanor) – Guilty
According to HERNE’s own statement, these charges stemmed from possessing a fake ID and an encounter with an undercover police officer. While the felony charge was dismissed, he received community supervision for the misdemeanor.
4. Employment Termination for Non-Disclosure
LPL Financial LLC terminated HERNE’s employment on February 3, 2023, specifically citing his “failure to timely report felony charge to Firm.” This termination came nearly three years after the felony charge was filed, suggesting HERNE may have deliberately concealed this information from his employer for a significant period.
5. Outstanding Civil Judgment/Lien
HERNE also has an outstanding civil judgment filed against him on April 30, 2021, in Harris County, Texas (Docket #RP-2021-514247). The judgment, in favor of Reginald A. Hirsch, is for $24,406.05 and remains unsatisfied. Financial difficulties of this nature may create conflicts of interest for financial advisors, potentially incentivizing inappropriate product recommendations to generate higher commissions.
Legal and Regulatory Framework
Financial advisors like KEVIN JOHN HERNE are bound by various regulations designed to protect investors. The allegations against him potentially violate several key FINRA rules:
FINRA Rule 1122: Filing of Misleading Information as to Membership or Registration
This rule prohibits members and associated persons from filing information with FINRA that is incomplete or inaccurate so as to be misleading. FINRA’s pending complaint specifically alleges willful non-disclosure of material information.
FINRA Rule 2010: Standards of Commercial Honor and Principles of Trade
This broad ethical standard requires brokers to observe high standards of commercial honor and just and equitable principles of trade. Deliberately concealing a felony charge from both employers and regulators would likely constitute a violation of this fundamental rule.
FINRA Rule 8210: Provision of Information and Testimony
This rule requires members and associated persons to provide information and testimony in connection with FINRA investigations. Failure to provide complete and accurate information in regulatory filings could violate this obligation.
Form U4 Disclosure Requirements
The Uniform Application for Securities Industry Registration or Transfer (Form U4) requires registered representatives to disclose:
- Criminal charges and convictions
- Regulatory actions
- Customer complaints
- Terminations for cause
- Financial judgments and liens
The obligation to update Form U4 is ongoing—representatives must amend their Form U4 within 30 days of learning of facts or circumstances requiring disclosure. FINRA specifically alleges that HERNE failed to meet this obligation by not disclosing his felony charge within the required timeframe.
Guidance for Investors Who Worked with KEVIN JOHN HERNE
If you were a client of KEVIN JOHN HERNE and have concerns about your investments or his conduct, consider taking the following steps:
1. Review Your Investment Portfolio
Carefully examine your account statements for:
- Unusual trading activity
- Investments that don’t align with your stated objectives
- Performance that deviates significantly from benchmarks
- Unexplained fees or charges
2. Document Your Relationship
Gather all documentation related to your relationship with HERNE, including:
- Account opening documents and investment policy statements
- Written communications (emails, letters, text messages)
- Marketing materials received
- Notes from meetings or phone calls
3. Assess Disclosure Quality
Consider whether HERNE:
- Fully explained the risks of your investments
- Disclosed all fees and charges
- Recommended investments suitable for your financial situation and goals
- Was transparent about his background and potential conflicts of interest
4. Check for Red Flags
Look for potential signs of misconduct, such as:
- Recommendations to move money from established firms to smaller, less-regulated entities
- Pressure to make quick investment decisions
- Promises of guaranteed returns or “no-risk” investments
- Reluctance to provide written documentation
5. Understand Time Limitations
Be aware that there are time limitations for filing complaints or arbitration claims:
- FINRA arbitration claims generally must be filed within six years of the event giving rise to the dispute
- State securities laws may have different limitation periods
- Delays in filing can compromise your ability to recover losses
How Our Investment Fraud Attorneys Can Help
Our law firm specializes in representing investors who have suffered losses due to broker misconduct. In cases like those involving KEVIN JOHN HERNE, our experienced attorneys offer comprehensive services:
Thorough Case Evaluation
Our team will:
- Review your account statements and investment documentation
- Analyze the suitability of investment recommendations
- Identify potential regulatory violations and breaches of fiduciary duty
- Determine if your losses may be recoverable through FINRA arbitration
Expert Securities Law Analysis
With deep understanding of securities regulations, our attorneys can:
- Identify specific legal violations that may not be obvious to non-specialists
- Determine the strength of your potential claims
- Calculate appropriate damages
- Develop effective legal strategies tailored to your specific situation
FINRA Arbitration Representation
Most investment disputes are resolved through FINRA arbitration rather than court. Our attorneys have extensive experience in this forum and can:
- Prepare and file your Statement of Claim
- Gather and present evidence of misconduct
- Represent you throughout the discovery process
- Negotiate potential settlements
- Present your case before FINRA arbitrators
No Recovery, No Fee Structure
We understand that investors who have already suffered losses may be concerned about legal costs. Our firm typically operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning:
- No upfront costs to you
- We only get paid if we recover money on your behalf
- Our fee is a percentage of the recovery, aligned with your interests
Industry Knowledge and Resources
Our attorneys’ deep understanding of securities regulations and industry practices allows us to:
- Navigate the complexities of the securities arbitration system
- Access industry experts for testimony when needed
- Leverage our experience with similar cases to maximize your recovery
- Identify all potential sources of recovery
If you invested with KEVIN JOHN HERNE and have concerns about how your investments were handled, take immediate action to protect your financial interests. Call 800-950-6553 or complete our online form today to speak with our investment fraud attorneys about your situation. The consultation is free, and there’s no obligation to proceed unless you choose to do so.
