Associate Director of SEC’s Fort Worth Office Announces Intention to Resign

David Peavler, regional associate director of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s Fort Worth office, is leaving the regulatory agency later this month after more than 15 years of public service. The SEC announced David’s departure in a statement Friday afternoon, although it did not specify why he’s leaving.

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Mr. Peavler took over the regional office overseeing SEC activities in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Kansas in November 2011, where he led more than 60 attorneys and other professionals responsible for investigating violations of the federal securities laws.

He tackled several high-profile corporate investigations, including leading the agency’s probe of i2 Technologies and three of its former senior officers, who collectively paid more than $20 million to settle fraud charges relating to a billion dollar software revenue overstatement.

During Peavler’s tenure, the Fort Worth office launched enforcement actions that targeted fraud in oil and gas ventures. For example, the SEC highlighted in its statement the case of Royal Dutch Shell, which paid $120 million to settle fraud charges arising from its 4.5 billion barrel proved reserves misstatement. It also went after Millennium Bank and its founder, who operated a $100 million international Ponzi scheme.

Additionally, Peavler is credited with helping the SEC bring to justice Life Partners Holdings and its former senior officers, who were found liable for fraud in connection with disclosures and accounting for life settlements.

Mr. Peavler received his undergraduate degree in accounting and economics from Baylor University in 1989 and his law degree from the University of Texas in 1992.

Stephanie Avakian, Acting Director of the SEC’s Enforcement Division, commented: “David is an exceptional attorney and a dedicated public servant who has led and supervised an array of complex and high-impact actions.  He has demonstrated time and time again his commitment to protecting investors and our markets.”