Couple Accused of $100M Pump-and-Dump Scheme

Brett and Deborah Rosen, a couple residing in southern California, have been charged with operating a fraudulent $100 million scheme involving penny stocks and money laundering. Their investment business, RB Capital Partners, Inc., is accused of manipulating six publicly traded companies from 2020 through at least June 2024. Prosecutors allege the Rosens inflated stock prices using misleading promotions while secretly dumping their own shares for profit.

The indictment, filed on January 16, charges the couple with 24 counts, including conspiracy, securities fraud, and money laundering. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) further claims the couple netted over $26 million in illicit profits. These funds were allegedly used to support a glamorous lifestyle, including the purchase of a multi-million dollar mansion in San Diego's La Jolla Shores neighborhood. The couple has been featured in finance publications for their work, though their public statements at the time emphasized transparency and belief in their investments.

The SEC's complaint also names former Solar Integrated Roofing Corporation CEO David M. Massey. It details how the Rosens aggressively promoted Solar stock online, with Brett Rosen tweeting positively about the company while simultaneously selling his shares. In one instance, despite tweeting that RB Capital would not be dumping shares, the defendants allegedly sold at least 115,000 shares that same day. Massey is accused of instructing Solar to issue a false press release about a $10 million credit facility, causing the stock to surge.