SEC v. Stephen E. Buyer, et al. — U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Litigation Release No. 26621, dated August 26, 2026.
The SEC has dismissed its civil enforcement action against Stephen E. Buyer and Relief Defendant Joni L. Buyer. The dismissal was filed jointly by the parties on August 24, 2026, with prejudice, meaning the case cannot be brought again. The SEC noted this decision does not set a precedent for other cases.
The government agency that watches over the stock market (the SEC) decided to stop its lawsuit against Stephen E. Buyer and Joni L. Buyer. They agreed together to close the case on August 24, 2026. The SEC said this doesn't mean they'll drop other lawsuits.
Disclaimer: all facts are drawn from the SEC's own filings; the claims described are allegations unless and until a court rules or the parties settle, and some cases end in dismissal.
On August 24, 2026, the Securities and Exchange Commission filed a joint stipulation with Defendant Stephen E. Buyer and Relief Defendant Joni L. Buyer to dismiss, with prejudice, the Commission’s civil enforcement action against them. As stated in the joint stipulation, the Commission’s decision to exercise its discretion and seek dismissal of this action “does not necessarily reflect the Commission’s position on any other case.”