Julie Darrah: Lawsuits for Investment Losses

Wealth Enhancement Group Lawsuit Update – Julie Darrah Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for $2.25M Fraud Scheme

June 2025 – Update: Former Wealth Enhancement Group advisor Julie Darrah has reportedly been sentenced to 121 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to wire fraud. The sentencing, which took place in Los Angeles in June 2025, marks the culmination of a multi-year investigation and legal battle involving Darrah, Wealth Enhancement Group, and numerous elderly victims.

Darrah, previously affiliated with Vivid Financial Management and later Wealth Enhancement Group, reportedly admitted to stealing over $2.25 million from at least nine elderly clients between 2016 and 2023.

Sentencing Details: Over 10 Years in Federal Prison

On May 19th, 2025, U.S. District Judge Otis D. Wright II reportedly sentenced Julie Anne Darrah, 52, to 10 years and 1 month in federal prison. A restitution hearing will be scheduled at a later date. The statutory maximum for her offense was 20 years.

Darrah’s attorney sought a three-year sentence, while federal prosecutors pushed for ten. Victim impact statements highlighted the profound emotional and financial damage suffered by those defrauded—many of whom considered Darrah a trusted friend and financial confidante.

One victim’s son described Darrah’s betrayal as a “monstrous crime,” claiming she manipulated his mother and used her power of attorney to sell her home and drain her accounts, leaving her at risk of eviction from her memory care facility.

Wealth Enhancement Group Files Suit Against Julie Darrah

In late 2023, Wealth Enhancement Group, which acquired Vivid Financial Management in 2021, filed a civil lawsuit against Julie Darrah, accusing her of embezzling client funds. This came shortly after the SEC filed a separate civil fraud complaint in federal court.

Both the SEC lawsuit and Wealth Enhancement Group lawsuit allege Darrah misappropriated funds by exploiting her position as trustee and power of attorney for vulnerable elderly clients—most of them women.

SEC Investigation: Details of the Alleged Fraud

According to the SEC complaint, Darrah:

• Gained control over client accounts and trust assets

• Liquidated securities and transferred proceeds to her personal accounts

• Commingled stolen funds with her own

• Used stolen money to fund personal real estate, luxury purchases, and failing restaurant ventures

The SEC secured a preliminary asset freeze, accounting requirements, and a ban on document destruction.

Businesses Linked to Julie Darrah and PC&J

The SEC also named PC&J, a company Darrah owns 33.4% of, as a relief defendant, claiming she funneled embezzled client money into the business. Local reports confirmed that associated businesses—like Cups & Crumbs and The Homestead—abruptly closed during the investigation.

FINRA BrokerCheck: Red Flags and Termination

According to FINRA BrokerCheck, Julie Darrah was registered with Mutual Securities in Orcutt, CA, from 2013 until 2022. She was terminated by Wealth Enhancement Group in September 2023 amid an internal investigation.

Her termination notice cited:

“Fraud, wrongful/unauthorized taking of client property, violations of securities law, and failure to cooperate with the firm’s internal review.”

How to Protect Yourself from Broker Embezzlement

Investors should take the following steps to reduce their risk:

• Check FINRA BrokerCheck for red flags and disclosures

• Avoid granting broad powers like trustee status or power of attorney

• Use independent custodians to safeguard account assets

• Monitor accounts regularly for unauthorized transactions

Being proactive and vigilant is critical to preventing financial exploitation.

Recovering Investment Losses – Julie Darrah Lawsuit

If you were a client of Julie Darrah or Wealth Enhancement Group, you may have recovery options. Victims of investment fraud often pursue claims through FINRA arbitration, a specialized forum for resolving disputes with brokerage firms and advisors.

The securities attorneys at The White Law Group are currently investigating potential claims involving Julie Darrah and Wealth Enhancement Group on behalf of investors nationwide.

To schedule a free consultation, call (888) 637-5510 or visit www.whitesecuritieslaw.com.

About The White Law Group

The White Law Group is a national securities fraud, investor protection, and FINRA arbitration law firm with offices in Chicago and Seattle. Since 2010, our firm has recovered millions of dollars for investors through more than 800 FINRA arbitration cases.

We handle a wide range of claims, including:

• Fraud and misrepresentation

• Selling away

• Unauthorized trading

• Unsuitable investment recommendations

• Elder financial abuse

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is Julie Darrah and what did she do?

Julie Darrah is a former financial advisor affiliated with Wealth Enhancement Group and Vivid Financial Management. She pleaded guilty to wire fraud after stealing over $2.25 million from elderly clients by misusing her role as trustee and financial advisor.

2. Can I file a lawsuit against Wealth Enhancement Group for losses?

Possibly. If you suffered financial losses due to Darrah’s actions while she was affiliated with Wealth Enhancement Group, you may be eligible to pursue a FINRA arbitration claim against the firm. Consult with a securities attorney to evaluate your case.

3. How do I check if my financial advisor has complaints or a history of misconduct?

Use the FINRA BrokerCheck tool at brokercheck.finra.org to search for past disciplinary actions, customer complaints, and employment history for any registered financial professional.