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Indianapolis, IN -- Indiana Secretary of State Todd Rokita applauds the filing of criminal charges against David A. Mikels by Washington County Prosecuting Attorney Cynthia Winkler. The investigation, initiated by Rokita's office, has led to an arrest warrant for Mikels being issued by the Washington Circuit Court. Mikels faces three counts of the sale of an unregistered security, three counts of the sale of securities by an unregistered agent and three counts of securities fraud. All nine counts are Class C felonies, which are each punishable by up to eight years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

"We are sending a message to white collar criminals that we will not tolerate this type of fraudulent activity," Rokita said. "We will go after those who prey upon the citizens of this state and cost them their hard-earned money."

Mikels and his company , The Cambridge Group, allegedly solicited more than $180,000 from three elderly women in the Salem area. Investigators believe Mikels marketed the investment opportunity as an offshore bank program with a "guaranteed payout " at any time. Neither Mikels nor the securities were registered with the Indiana Secretary of State's Office as required by law. A cash-only bond for Mikels was set in the amount of $200,000.

"If an investment sounds too good to be true, it probably isn't true," Winkler said. "I encourage any other victims of this man or The Cambridge Group to come forward so that action can be taken on their behalf."

Rokita's office referred the case to Prosecutor Winkler, who under Indiana law has the authority to file criminal charges. The offices continued working together to develop the case.

"I want to congratulate Prosecutor Winkler and her staff for their hard work on this case. I am also proud of the work done by Silvia Miller and Mark Mader from my office's Prosecution Assistance Unit," Rokita said. "This is an excellent example of what can be accomplished when officials at the state and local level cooperate, share resources, and put the interests of Hoosiers first."

Rokita reminds Hoosiers to check out any opportunity before investing. All corporations should be registered with Rokita's office, as should investments and their sellers. Information can be verified by visiting Rokita's website, www.sos.IN.gov , or by calling 1-800-223-8791.