By Sophie Pappas
Darrin Marion, the owner of Darrin’s Coffee Company in Zionsville, was arrested last week following an investigation by Secretary of State Connie Lawson’s prosecution assistance unit.
Marion allegedly sold an unlicensed investment in a real estate scam.
In a press release to Current in Zionsville, Lawson states: “Real estate schemes are some of the most common forms of investment fraud that come across my desk. I hope this case serves as a reminder to check with my office to ensure the investment is registered before investing.
Marion opened his own coffee shop and coffee roasting company, Darrin’s Coffee Co., on Zionsville’s Main Street in 2013.
According to the investigation documents, the Secretary of State’s office began investigating Marion after a complaint was filed. He allegedly sold his father’s college roommate and investment opportunity in a Texas real estate development project that, he said, would bring significant revenue to anyone who made an investment.
Marion told investors that any principle invested would be safe from loss.
However, after investors requested documentation of the investment, Marion stopped returning phone calls and could not be found.
Upon receiving a complaint from one of these investors, the Secretary of State’s office found that Marion was previously registered as a securities professional, but his registration was expired in 2007 due to criminal acts involving the use of a client’s identity. In January of 2008, the Secretary of State’s office permanently banned Marion from the securities industry.
“Investors should always check with the Secretary of State’s office to make sure the investment advisor and the product are licensed before investing,” said Indiana Securities Commissioner Carol Mihalik. “This case is the perfect example of how a simple background check could save your precious investment dollars.”
Following Marion’s arrest, the coffee shop has remained open on Main Street. Last week, a representative for Darrin Coffee Co. told Current in Zionsville that the incident with real estate happened more than eight years ago and that Marion would be returning to work this week.
“This was a personal matter that happened more than eight years ago and has nothing to do with the business,” the coffee-roasting-store-clerk said.
The store clerk said that the coffee shop will stay open, and will continue hosting poetry readings and live music in the basement.
“Mondays we are closed for roasting, but other than that it’s business as usual,” she said.
This is still an ongoing investigation. Anyone who invested with Darrin Marion should contact the Secretary of State’s office at 317-232-6681.
