ASC Seeks Bans Against B.C. Resident Kerry John O'Neill

CALGARY, Feb. 19 /CNW/ - The Alberta Securities Commission (ASC) is seeking to reciprocate sanctions imposed by the British Columbia Securities Commission (BCSC) against Kerry John O'Neill.

On September 9, 2009, the BCSC ordered O'Neill be permanently banned from trading in securities, acting as a director or officer of any issuer, acting in a management or consultative capacity in connection with activities in the securities market and engaging in investor relations activities. In a BCSC settlement agreement, O'Neill acknowledged he raised more than $9.6 million while heading an investment scheme called the Pay it Forward Program. O'Neill admitted he committed fraud against investors when he used approximately $6.4 million of the money raised to pay other investors, approximately $1 million towards business purchases, $213,000 for other investment opportunities and $56,000 for his personal expenses.

ASC staff allege that approximately 64 Alberta investors participated in the Pay it Forward investment scheme.

It is anticipated that the ASC panel will consider this application in April 2010.

A copy of the Notice of Hearing is available on the ASC website at www.albertasecurities.com.

The ASC is the regulatory agency responsible for administering the province's securities laws. It is entrusted to foster a fair and efficient capital market in Alberta and to protect investors. As a member of the Canadian Securities Administrators, the ASC works to improve, coordinate and harmonize the regulation of Canada's capital markets.

For further information: For Media Inquiries: Mark Dickey, Senior Communications Advisor, [phone]; For Investor Inquiries: ASC Public Inquiries, Toll Free 1-877-355-4488