SEC Obtains Final Judgments Against Two Oregon Residents and Their Related Entities for Operating a $10 Million Ponzi-Like Scheme

The U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon has issued final judgments against Robert D. Christensen and Anthony M. Matic, both residents of Oregon, along with their associated entities, Foresee, Inc., The Commission PDX, LLC, The Policy PDX, LLC, and Innings 150, LLC, for orchestrating a Ponzi-like scheme over multiple years.

According to the SEC’s complaint, filed on June 30, 2023, Christensen and Matic engaged in fraudulent activities from at least January 2018 to September 2022. They used four entities they had established – Foresee, Inc., The Commission PDX, LLC, The Policy PDX, LLC, and Innings, 150 LLC – to raise funds from retail investors, including several retirees. The money was allegedly raised under the pretext of investing in real estate. To do this, they offered and sold unregistered promissory notes, promising high interest rates ranging from nine to 15 percent, with the return of all principal within a few months. However, the complaint asserted that Christensen and Matic lacked the capacity to fulfill the promised returns within the specified time frame. Instead, they depended on new investor funds to pay earlier investors, effectively running a Ponzi scheme. Additionally, Christensen and Matic were accused of misusing investor funds for unauthorized and undisclosed personal expenses, including vacations, gifts, casino trips, massages, personal expenses, a whiskey club membership, and cryotherapy.

Without admitting or denying the allegations, Christensen, Matic, and their related entities consented to the entry of final judgments. These judgments permanently prohibit them from violating Sections 5 and 17(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as well as Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5. The final judgments also include conduct-based injunctions and require disgorgement of $5,374,482, along with prejudgment interest. Additionally, both Christensen and Matic will be obligated to pay a $200,000 penalty each, and they will be subject to permanent officer and director bars.