Isaiah Williams Jr.: Lawsuit & Investor Fraud Investigation –Featured by top securities fraud attorneys, The White Law Group
The White Law Group is investigating potential securities fraud claims involving former Merrill Lynch financial advisor Isaiah Thomas Williams Jr. (CRD# 6211219), following allegations of misappropriation, unsuitable investment recommendations, improper outside business activity, and now a series of high-profile settlements involving former NFL players.
Merrill Lynch Pays $9.5 Million to Settle Claim from Former NFL Pro-Bowler Reshad Jones
According to recent regulatory filings, Merrill Lynch has paid $9.5 million to settle a claim filed by former Miami Dolphins Pro Bowl safety Reshad Jones.
Jones had initially sought $16 million, alleging that Williams:
-
Misappropriated client funds
-
Recommended an unsuitable asset allocation
-
Engaged in improper outside business activities
The settlement—completed in August and recently reflected in state regulator records—resolves the civil claim against Merrill related to Jones’ losses.
Criminal Allegations: $2.6 Million Allegedly Stolen from Reshad Jones
Williams was reportedly arrested in June after police in Broward County alleged he stole approximately $2.6 million from Jones between January 2022 and March 2024. According to police reports:
-
Williams allegedly made 133 unauthorized wire transfers totaling $1.58 million from Jones’ Bank of America accounts to his own accounts.
-
He allegedly transferred an additional $1.3 million to an accomplice.
-
Stolen funds were reportedly used for:
-
Travel and luxury hotels
-
Purchases for multiple girlfriends
-
Child support payments
-
Legal fees
-
Car rentals and repairs
-
Duty-free shopping in Mexico
-
“Nightclubs and strip clubs throughout the country”
-
Williams was released on a $1 million bond in July.
Additional Arbitration: Former NFL Player Sean L. Smith Seeks $3.5 Million
Merrill Lynch and Williams also face a separate $3.5 million arbitration claim filed by former Miami Dolphins cornerback Sean L. Smith, who alleges:
-
An unsuitable investment strategy
-
Losses in loan management and in-house wrap accounts
Smith’s case does not involve allegations of theft.
Regulatory Actions & Background
-
FINRA Bar (April 2025): Williams was permanently barred from the industry for refusing to cooperate with a FINRA investigation into customer allegations.
-
Voluntary Resignation (December 2024): Williams resigned from Merrill Lynch amid an internal review involving misappropriation claims.
-
BrokerCheck Complaints:
-
July 2025 (Pending) Client alleges that the registered representative failed to act in his best interest and recommended an unsuitable asset allocation strategy.
-
December 2024 (Pending): Misappropriation, unsuitable allocation, misrepresentations, and improper outside business activity.
-
May 2024 (Denied): Alleged misrepresentation and improper practices (dating back to 2019).
-
After departing Merrill, Williams briefly registered an independent RIA—Bascom Hill Wealth—in Royal Palm Beach, Florida. He is no longer affiliated with any brokerage or advisory firm.
Understanding Broker Misconduct & Supervision Failures
Misappropriation of client funds, unsuitable investment strategies, and failures to supervise are serious violations of FINRA rules. Brokerage firms may be legally responsible for supervising their financial advisors and protecting client assets.
If a firm fails to detect or prevent misconduct, investors may be entitled to recover losses through a FINRA arbitration claim.
FINRA Arbitration vs. Class Action Litigation
Investor claims involving misconduct by a financial advisor are typically pursued through FINRA arbitration, which:
-
Allows for an individualized review of an investor’s losses
-
Is generally faster than class action litigation
-
Often results in more meaningful recoveries for affected individuals
Class actions, by contrast, tend to produce smaller per-investor payouts.
Recovery Options for Investors
If you invested with Isaiah Thomas Williams Jr. or believe your accounts were mishandled, you may be eligible to file a claim to recover your losses. The White Law Group has handled over 800 FINRA arbitration cases involving broker misconduct and supervisory failures.
Free Consultation
Call 1-888-637-5510 for a free and confidential review of your case.
For more information, visit www.whitesecuritieslaw.com
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Isaiah Williams
1. What new developments have been reported involving Isaiah Williams and Merrill Lynch?
Merrill Lynch recently paid $9.5 million to settle a claim filed by former NFL player Reshad Jones, who alleged misappropriation, unsuitable investments, and improper outside business activity by Williams. Williams is also facing criminal charges for allegedly stealing $2.6 million from Jones.
2. Is Isaiah Williams still allowed to work in the securities industry?
No. Williams was barred by FINRA in April 2025 for failing to cooperate with a regulatory investigation and is no longer registered with any broker-dealer or advisory firm.
3. Are other investors pursuing claims involving Williams?
Yes. Former NFL cornerback Sean L. Smith has filed a $3.5 million arbitration claim alleging unsuitable investment recommendations related to loan management and wrap accounts.
4. Can investors recover losses caused by broker misconduct?
Possibly. Investors may pursue compensation through FINRA arbitration, particularly in cases involving misappropriation or supervisory failures by the firm.
Last modified: November 20, 2025
