FBI: Georgia financial officer on the run after defrauding victims
Christopher Burns is wanted by the FBI for a mail fraud investigation. (FBI)
ATLANTA - The FBI and U.S. Attorney's Office of the Northern District of Georgia are searching for a financial advisor accused of defrauding multiple victims out of thousands of dollars.
Officials say 37-year-old Christopher W. Burns of Berkeley Lake, Georgia has been charged with mail fraud.
Burns has not been seen since Sept. 24, which is the day before he was supposed to turn over documents to the Securities and Exchange Commission, officials said.
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In his work as a financial advisor, officials say he used a number of entities including Investus Advisers LLC, Investus Financial LLC, and Peer Connect LLC. The FBI says they believe he defrauded victims out of hundreds of thousands of dollars.
A spokesperson for Burns' wife, Meredith, said she has no knowledge of her husband's company and her immediate goal is the care of her children. A statement released by her representatives reads:
"This is a very difficult time for the Burns family and their children. Meredith Burns played no part in the operations of the companies. She continues to cooperate fully and consistently with all law enforcement authorities. Her main priority remains to be caring for her young children. The entire family continues to hope and pray for Mr. Burns’ safe return. They respectfully ask for privacy during this difficult time."
In addition, her representative said Meredith is not able to accept calls from her husband's former clients but refers those calls to Kristen Wright Novay, Esq.of Garland, Samuel & Loeb.
The vehicle Burns was last seen driving was found abandoned in Dunwoody. Officials say agents found three cashier's checks totaling over $78,000 during a search of the vehicle.
If you know anything about where Burns may be or have any connections of anyone who has done business with the wanted financial adviser, please call the FBI Atlanta field office at 770-216-3000 or go to tips.fbi.gov
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