Leticia Hewko: $100K-$500K Complaint Against Cinergy Advisor

A recent investor complaint against Tustin, California financial advisor Leticia Hewko (CRD# 6211451) alleges that her advice resulted in six-figure damages. Financial Industry Regulatory Authority records show that she is registered as a broker with Independent Financial Group, doing business as Cinergy Financial.

Ms. Hewko’s BrokerCheck report discloses one investor complaint. Filed in June 2025, it alleges that as a representative of Independent Financial Group, she recommended unsuitable investments in non-traded real estate investment trusts and did not make the clients aware of the risks. The pending complaint alleges damages between $100,000 and $500,000.

In a comment included with the pending complaint’s disclosure, Ms. Hewko defends herself against the allegations. “Preliminary review does not show evidence to support the claims made,” the comment states. “Claimants had a well-diversified portfolio that included various investment types and allocations. The claim will be defended as without merit and for failure to state a claim on which relief can be granted.”

A real estate investment trust, or REIT, is an investment company that pools funds from investors for the purchase and operation of real estate. REIT investments come with the promise of access to real estate and the income streams it generates, although they also come with certain risks. Although publicly traded REITs can be liquid investments that offer routine cash flow to investors, they are still subject to market conditions. Meanwhile, non-traded REITs are usually illiquid investments with little to no transparency, which can make them unsuitable products for unsophisticated and/or conservative investors. In fact, FINRA warned in a 2016 investor alert that non-traded REITs are “rarely, if ever, suitable for short-term investors.” Brokers who recommend unsuitable REIT investments may be liable for damages.

According to the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Leticia Hewko holds nine years of securities industry experience. Based in Tustin, California, she has been registered as a broker with Independent Financial Group since 2016, doing business as Cinergy Financial. Her credentials include the passage of four securities industry qualifying exams: the General Securities Representative Examination, or Series 7; the Investment Company Products/Variable Contracts Representative Examination, or Series 6; the Securities Industry Essentials Examination, or SIE; and the Uniform Securities Agent State Law Examination, or Series 63. She holds 24 state licenses. (Information current as of August 19, 2025.)

Carlson Law represents investors throughout the United States in claims against financial advisors and investment firms. If you or a loved one have suffered investment losses, please call us at 888-976-6111 or complete our contact form for a free and confidential consultation.