NOTE: Stipulations of Fact and Consent to Penalty (SFC); Offers of Settlement (OS); and Letters of Acceptance Waiver, and Consent (AWC) are entered into by Respondents without admitting or denying the allegations, but consent is given to the described sanctions & to the entry of findings. Additionally, for AWCs, if FINRA has reason to believe a violation has occurred and the member or associated person does not dispute the violation, FINRA may prepare and request that the member or associated person execute a letter accepting a finding of violation, consenting to the imposition of sanctions, and agreeing to waive such member's or associated person's right to a hearing before a hearing panel, and any right of appeal to the National Adjudicatory Council, the SEC, and the courts, or to otherwise challenge the validity of the letter, if the letter is accepted. The letter shall describe the act or practice engaged in or omitted, the rule, regulation, or statutory provision violated, and the sanction or sanctions to be imposed.

Sharon Elsene Givens
2008014705101

As her member firm’s bookkeeper, Associated Person Givens, had access to the firm’s checking account and forged the firm’s treasurer’s signature on checks totaling approximately $61,016.08 written against the firm’s checking account. Givens committed conversion by making the checks payable to herself, cashing the checks and using the funds for purposes other than the firm’s benefit. Because Givens reconciled the firm’s checking account, she was able to conceal the conversion of funds from the firm. In a letter to FINRA, Givens admitted that she utilized the treasurer’s name without authorization and took the firm’s funds for her personal use.

Sharon Elsene Givens: Barred

Tags: Conversion  Forgery