SEC v. Cast Your Nets Ministries; CYNM Consulting, LLC; Phillip Trujillo; and Jeremy (“Je”) Hammonds, No. 1:24-mc-00122, District of Colorado (Dec. 16, 2024) — Complaint
raw: In re CYNM
In re CYNM, No. 1:24-mc-00122 (Dec. 16, 2024)
The SEC is seeking a court order to compel Cast Your Nets Ministries, CYNM Consulting, LLC, Phillip Trujillo, and Jeremy Hammonds to comply with subpoenas regarding a fraudulent and unregistered securities offering.
The SEC is investigating whether the respondents conducted a fraudulent securities offering involving high-yield investment programs and the 'CYN Token' crypto asset. The Commission has filed an application in the District of Colorado to compel compliance after the respondents refused to produce documents or appear for testimony. While no specific fraud amounts are cited in the filing, the investigation targets programs promising returns as high as 25% annually.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has filed an application in the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado to compel compliance with administrative subpoenas. The investigation targets Cast Your Nets Ministries, CYNM Consulting, LLC, Phillip Trujillo, and Dr. Jeremy Hammonds for conducting a fraudulent and unregistered securities offering. These offerings included the 'CYN Legacy Program,' the 'CYN Alternative Savings Plan,' the 'Alternative Retirement Program,' and a crypto asset known as the 'CYN Token.' The SEC alleges that the respondents have refused to produce requested documents or appear for scheduled testimony, providing only ten documents to date. Notably, Phillip Trujillo has a prior criminal conviction related to securities fraud. The SEC is now seeking an Order to Show Cause to force the respondents to comply with the Commission's investigative subpoenas.
Extracted insights
- company a washington state non-profit corporation
- person cast your nets ministries
- person criminal authorities
- company cynm consulting, llc
- person jeremy hammonds
- person phillip trujillo
- person scheduled testimony
- agency Securities and Exchange Commission
- Securities And Exchange Commission is investigating whether Cast Your Nets Ministries, Cynm Consulting, LLC, Phillip Trujillo, and Jeremy Hammonds are conducting a fraudulent and unregistered securities offering
- Securities And Exchange Commission served administrative subpoenas seeking documents from Cast Your Nets Ministries, Cynm Consulting, LLC, and Phillip Trujillo
- Securities And Exchange Commission served administrative subpoenas seeking testimony from Phillip Trujillo and Jeremy Hammonds
- Cast Your Nets Ministries refused to comply with the Commission’s document subpoenas
- Cynm Consulting, LLC refused to comply with the Commission’s document subpoenas
- Phillip Trujillo refused to comply with the Commission’s document subpoenas
- Phillip Trujillo did not appear for scheduled testimony
- Jeremy Hammonds did not appear for scheduled testimony
- Cast Your Nets Ministries is a Washington state non-profit corporation
- Cast Your Nets Ministries has its principal office located in Windsor, Colorado
- Cast Your Nets Ministries lists Phillip Trujillo and Jeremy Hammonds as members of its Leadership
- Cast Your Nets Ministries is the parent company of Cynm Consulting, LLC
- Cynm Consulting, LLC is a limited liability corporation registered in the state of Delaware
- Cynm Consulting, LLC has its principal office located in Windsor, Colorado
- Phillip Trujillo is a board member of Cast Your Nets Ministries
- Securities And Exchange Commission charged Phillip Trujillo with conducting a fraudulent offering
- Criminal Authorities convicted Phillip Trujillo
- Criminal Authorities sentenced Phillip Trujillo to 12 years in prison
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLORADO
Civil Miscellaneous Action No. 24-mc-________
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION,
Petitioner,
v.
CAST YOUR NETS MINISTRIES;
CYNM CONSULTING, LLC;
PHILLIP TRUJILLO; and
JEREMY (“JE”) HAMMONDS,
Respondents.
APPLICATION FOR ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE AND FOR ORDER COMPELLING
COMPLIANCE WITH ADMINISTRATIVE SUBPOENAS
The Securities and Exchange Commission (“Commission” or “SEC”) is investigating
whether Cast Your Nets Ministries; CYNM Consulting, LLC; Phillip Trujillo; and Jeremy (“Je”)
Hammonds
1
are conducting a fraudulent and unregistered securities offering. In furtherance of its
investigation, the SEC served administrative subpoenas seeking documents from Cast Your Nets
Ministries; CYNM Consulting, LLC; and Mr. Trujillo and served administrative subpoenas
seeking testimony from Mr. Trujillo and Dr. Hammonds (collectively, the “Respondents”). Other
than producing ten documents, Cast Your Nets Ministries; CYNM Consulting, LLC; and Mr.
1
We understand Dr. Hammonds’ legal name to be Jeremy Hammonds but that he goes by Je
Hammonds. Counsel has referred to him as Dr. Hammonds, and he is described on CYNM’s
website as having a Ph.D. Accordingly, we refer to him as Dr. Hammonds as well.
122-DDD
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Trujillo have refused to comply with the Commission’s document subpoenas. Further, neither
Mr. Trujillo nor Dr. Hammonds appeared for their scheduled testimony.
Counsel for Respondents has informed the SEC staff that Respondents will not comply
with the subpoenas, will not produce any additional documents, and will not appear for
testimony. Counsel for the Respondents has acknowledged that Respondents “are fully aware
that the SEC has reserved its authority to pursue enforcement of the subpoenas in federal court.”
Declaration of Abigail L.P. Edwards (“Edwards Decl.”) ¶ 24 & Ex. 12. As a result, the SEC has
no other remedy than the judicial enforcement of the subpoenas. In this case, the SEC needs this
Court’s assistance to carry out its statutorily authorized mission to protect investors.
The Commission respectfully requests that the Court: (1) issue an Order to Show Cause
why Cast Your Nets Ministries; CYNM Consulting, LLC; Mr. Trujillo; and Dr. Hammonds
should not be compelled to comply with the SEC’s administrative subpoenas; and (2) following
notice and an opportunity to be heard, order Cast Your Nets Ministries; CYNM Consulting,
LLC; Mr. Trujillo; and Dr. Hammonds to comply with the Commission’s subpoenas.
STATEMENT OF FACTS
I. Respondents
Cast Your Nets Ministries is a Washington state non-profit corporation with its
principal office located in Windsor, Colorado. Edwards Decl. ¶ 18. Cast Your Nets Ministries’
website lists Mr. Trujillo and Dr. Hammonds as members of its Leadership. Edwards Decl. ¶ 4,
n.1. That website offered three investment programs and a crypto asset, all of which are
described further below. Edwards Decl. ¶ 4. Cast Your Nets Ministries is also the parent
company of CYNM Consulting, LLC. Edwards Decl. ¶ 12 & Ex. 3.
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CYNM Consulting, LLC is a limited liability corporation registered in the state of
Delaware with its principal office located in Windsor, Colorado. Edwards Decl. ¶ 10. We
collectively refer to Cast Your Nets Ministries and CYNM Consulting, LLC as “CYNM.”
Mr. Trujillo is a board member of Cast Your Nets Ministries. Edwards Decl. ¶ 26. Mr.
Trujillo was previously charged by the SEC with conducting a fraudulent offering (see SEC v.
Trujillo, Civ. No. 09-cv-00403-MSK-KMT (D. Colo.) (February 26, 2009)) and subsequently
convicted by criminal authorities and sentenced to 12 years in prison for the same underlying
conduct (see Colorado v. Trujillo, D035 2010-CR-000749 (State of Colorado, Larimer County,
March 7, 2012)). Edwards Decl. ¶ 26.
Dr. Hammonds is the Chief Operating Officer (“COO”) of Cast Your Nets Ministries.
Edwards Decl. ¶ 36.
II. The SEC Formal Order and Investigation
The SEC is investigating whether the Respondents are conducting a fraudulent and
unregistered securities offering. Edwards Decl. ¶ 4. CYNM offered three investment programs
and a crypto asset on its website:
1) the “CYN Legacy Program,” which was described as “a program partnering with
Christian churches and organizations to facilitate fund raising projects”;
2) the “CYN Alternative Savings Plan,” which was described as “a short term, high-
yield program that pays 2% per month up to 6 months for a total of 12%”;
3) the “Alternative Retirement Program,” which CYNM advertised at various times as
providing “15% Yearly Returns” or “a 25% return each year for three years”; and
4) a crypto asset known as the “CYN Token,” which promises to “[d]ouble Your
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Retirement Savings In Just 5 Years.”
2
Edwards Decl. ¶ 4.
On April 11, 2024, the Commission issued an Order Directing Private Investigation and
Designating Officers to Take Testimony in an investigation entitled In the Matter of CYNM
Consulting, LLC. Edwards Decl. ¶ 5 (the “Formal Order”).
3
A formal order generally describes
the nature of an investigation and designates specific staff members to act as officers of the
Commission for purposes of the investigation. The Formal Order empowers the designated staff
members to administer oaths and affirmations, subpoena witnesses, compel their attendance, take
evidence, and require the production of documents and other materials. Edwards Decl. ¶ 5. The
Director of Enforcement approved the Formal Order. Id. The Formal Order was subsequently
corrected on July 10, 2024, to change the name of the investigation to In the Matter of Cast Your
Nets Ministries. Edwards Decl. ¶¶ 6–7.
III. The Administrative Subpoenas
Following issuance of the Formal Order, a member of the SEC staff designated in the
Formal Order issued subpoenas to Respondents. Edwards Decl. ¶¶ 10, 18, 27, 37 & Exs. 2, 6, 13,
19. On May 20 and August 6, 2024, the SEC staff properly served subpoenas seeking documents
2
Per the CYN Token website, described further in the Edwards Decl. ¶ 26 n.4, the CYN Token
is a “Faith-Driven Utility” Token, that promises “[a]ccess to alternative savings, retirement, and
building programs,” “[a]ccess to low interest bridge, car, and home equity loans,” “access to
CYN exclusive staking and vesting programs,” and other benefits. Edwards Decl. ¶ 4, n.2.
3
The SEC staff will provide a copy of the Formal Order or the corrected Formal Order to the
Court upon request, but respectfully requests that any such review be conducted in camera.
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from CYNM Consulting, LLC and Cast Your Nets Ministries
4
related to, among other things, the
structure and business of the entities, the products CYNM offers, and the crypto asset advertised
on CYNM’s website. Edwards Decl. ¶¶ 10, 18 & Exs. 2, 6. CYNM has only produced ten
documents in response to these subpoenas. Edwards Decl. ¶¶ 16, 20.
On September 30, 2024, the SEC staff designated in the Formal Order served a subpoena
seeking documents and testimony from Mr. Trujillo concerning, among other things, the
structure and nature of CYNM’s products. Edwards Decl. ¶ 27 & Ex. 13. The subpoena required
Mr. Trujillo to appear for testimony at the Commission’s Denver Regional Office on October 21,
2024. Id. Mr. Trujillo has not produced any documents in response to this subpoena and did not
appear for testimony. Edwards Decl. ¶¶ 31, 34.
On September 30, 2024, the SEC staff designated in the Formal Order also served a
subpoena for testimony on Dr. Hammonds. Edwards Decl. ¶ 37 & Ex. 19. The subpoena required
Dr. Hammonds to appear for testimony at the Commission’s Denver Regional Office on October
22, 2024. Id. Dr. Hammonds did not appear for testimony as required by the subpoena. Id. ¶ 41.
On November 1, 2024, counsel for Respondents sent the SEC staff three letters stating
that CYNM Consulting, LLC; Cast Your Nets Ministries; and Mr. Trujillo would not be
producing any more documents and that neither Mr. Trujillo nor Dr. Hammonds would be
appearing for testimony. Edwards Decl. ¶¶ 24, 33, 43 & Exs. 12, 18, 21.
CYNM has principally argued that the SEC does not have jurisdiction because the
4
The May 20, 2024 subpoena was served via UPS on CYNM Consulting, LLC’s registered
agent as well as its principal office located in Windsor, Colorado. Edwards Decl. ¶ 10 & Ex. 2.
After service of this subpoena, counsel appeared and accepted service of the August 6, 2024
subpoena. Edwards Decl. ¶ 18 & Ex. 6.
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products CYNM offers and sells are loans, not securities, and are therefore outside of the
jurisdiction of the SEC. See Edwards Decl. ¶¶ 12, 16, 19, 20, 22, 24, 28, 33, 38, 43 & Exs. 3, 5,
7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 18, 20, 21. CYNM has also stated that any documents or information about
the CYN Token must come from a UK entity issuing the token, CASTYOURNETS, LTD. and
that counsel could not accept service of a subpoena on behalf of that foreign entity. Edwards
Decl. ¶¶ 13, 14 & Ex. 4. The SEC staff has explained (1) that Respondents must comply with the
lawfully issued subpoenas, (2) that the staff has authority to investigate whether or not CYNM is
offering and selling, or has offered and sold, unregistered securities and whether or not it is
making false and misleading statements in the offer and sale of securities, or has made such
statements, and (3) the ten documents produced by CYNM to date is insufficient to assess
whether CYNM offered and sold securities and made false or misleading statements in
connection therewith. Edwards Decl. ¶¶ 13, 17.
Despite the SEC staff’s repeated attempts to secure compliance with the subpoenas,
Respondents’ counsel informed the SEC staff that his clients would not comply with the
subpoenas. Edwards Decl. ¶ 22 & Ex. 10. Specifically, on November 1, 2024, counsel stated that
“CYNM will not be providing any further information to the SEC voluntarily in response to the
subpoena issued to CYNM. We are fully aware that the SEC has reserved its authority to pursue
enforcement of the subpoenas in federal court.” Edwards Decl. ¶ 24 & Ex. 12. Counsel reiterated
this refusal to comply with the SEC subpoenas on behalf of Mr. Trujillo and Dr. Hammonds as
well. Edwards Decl. ¶¶ 33, 43 & Exs. 18, 21.
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ARGUMENT
I. The Court Has Jurisdiction and a Summary Proceeding is Appropriate.
The Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) provides that the SEC “may,
in its discretion, make such investigations as it deems necessary to determine whether any person
has violated, is violating, or is about to violate [the Exchange Act].” 15 U.S.C. § 78u(a). As part
of such investigations, SEC staff who are designated as officers of the SEC for purposes of the
investigation may, among other things, subpoena documents and testimony. 15 U.S.C. § 78u(b).
See also SEC v. O’Brien, 467 U.S. 735, 741 (1984) (“Congress has vested the SEC with broad
authority to conduct investigations into possible violations of the federal securities laws and to
demand production of evidence relevant to such investigations.”)
The Court has jurisdiction over this subpoena enforcement action pursuant to
Section 21(c) of the Exchange Act. See 15 U.S.C. § 78u(c); 15 U.S.C. § 78u(e); Fed. R. Civ. P.
81(a)(5). The SEC’s investigation is being conducted by the Denver Regional Office, Edwards
Decl. ¶ 8, and thus jurisdiction and venue are appropriate in this district. See 15 U.S.C. § 78u(c)
(“[T]he Commission may invoke the aid of any court of the United States within the jurisdiction
of which such investigation . . . is carried on.”).
The SEC respectfully requests that its application be considered promptly in a summary
proceeding. “Federal securities law authorizes the SEC to seek an order from this Court requiring
compliance with a subpoena in a summary proceeding.” SEC v. Harman Wright Grp., LLC,
No. 18-mc-00190-CMA, 2018 WL 6102758, at *2 (D. Colo. Nov. 21, 2018) (aff’d, 777 F. App’x
276 (10th Cir. 2019); see also SEC v. Conway, No. 22-mc-00212-DDD-KAS, 2024 WL
4252821, at *3 (D. Colo. Sept. 19, 2024) (Report and Recommendation adopted by the District
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Court Oct. 11, 2024) (same). “Further, a prompt ruling on the SEC’s application is warranted to
avoid further delay in the investigation.” Harman Wright Grp., LLC, 2018 WL 6102758, at *2
(citing SEC v. First Sec. Bank, 447 F.2d 166, 168 (10th Cir. 1971); SEC v. Lavin, 111 F.3d 921,
926 (D.C. Cir. 1997)).
II. The Court Should Enforce the Administrative Subpoenas.
Under well-established Supreme Court and Tenth Circuit precedent, this Court should
enforce the SEC’s administrative subpoenas because: (1) the investigation is being conducted
pursuant to a legitimate purpose; (2) the subpoenas seek information that may be relevant to that
purpose; (3) the information sought is not already in the SEC’s possession; and (4) all required
administrative steps have been followed. Harman Wright Grp., 2018 WL 6102758, at *2 (citing
United States v. Powell, 379 U.S. 48, 57–58 (1964); RNR Enter., Inc. v. SEC, 122 F.3d 93, 96
(2d Cir. 1997); see also Application to Enforce Administrative Subpoenas Duces Tecum of SEC
v. Knowles, 87 F.3d 413, 415 (10th Cir. 1996)); Conway, 2024 WL 4252821, at *3 (also quoting
Powell). The SEC’s burden under this framework is a “‘slight one,’ and ‘[t]he requisite showing
is generally made by affidavit of the agent who issued the summons and who is seeking
enforcement.’” Harman Wright Grp., 2018 WL 6102758, at *2 (quoting United States v.
Balanced Fin. Mgmt., Inc., 769 F.2d 1440, 1443 (10th Cir. 1985) (internal quotations omitted));
see also Conway, 2024 WL 4252821, at *3. As discussed below, the SEC meets these factors.
First, the Commission’s investigation is being conducted pursuant to a legitimate
purpose. “Congress has vested the SEC with broad authority to conduct investigations into
possible violations of the federal securities laws and to demand production of evidence relevant
to such investigations.” O’Brien, 467 U.S. at 741. The Formal Order pursuant to which the
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subpoenas were issued authorizes such an investigation into possible violations of the federal
securities laws. Edwards Decl. ¶ 5. As discussed above, the SEC is investigating whether
Respondents are conducting a fraudulent and unregistered securities offering. Edwards Decl. ¶ 4.
CYNM publicly advertised on its website, and offered and sold, three investment programs and a
crypto asset, each of which may be a security. Id. The SEC is investigating whether CYNM
violated the federal securities laws in connection with the offer or sale of a security.
Second, the subpoenas seek information that may be relevant to the SEC’s legitimate
investigation. “Administrative agencies vested with investigatory power have broad discretion to
require the disclosure of information concerning matters within their jurisdiction.” Philips
Petroleum Co. v. Lujan, 951 F.2d 257, 260 (10th Cir. 1991). Relevance is established when the
information sought is not “plainly incompetent or irrelevant to any lawful purpose.” Endicott
Johnson Corp. v. Perkins, 317 U.S. 501, 509 (1943) (cited in Philips Petroleum, 951 F.2d at
260). The subpoenas seek documents and testimony concerning the structure and business of
CYNM, the products that they offered and sold, information about investors or customers who
purchased those products, the crypto asset advertised on the CYNM website, Mr. Trujillo’s
involvement with CYNM, relevant agreements between Mr. Trujillo and CYNM, Dr.
Hammonds’ involvement with CYNM, and relevant agreements between Dr. Hammonds and
CYNM. Edwards Decl. ¶¶ 10, 18, 27, 37 & Exs. 2, 6, 13, 19. That information is relevant to the
SEC’s investigation into whether the products CYNM is offering and selling (or has offered and
sold) are securities and whether CYNM has violated the federal securities laws in connection
with such offers or sales, including by making fraudulent statements and engaging in an
unregistered securities offering. While there is evidence suggesting that the products are
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securities, proving one of the products is a security is not the burden at this stage. As discussed
below, in the federal securities laws, Congress committed the initiation and conduct of
investigations to the SEC’s “discretion.” See, e.g., Securities Act of 1933 (“Securities Act”)
Section 20, 15 U.S.C. § 77t(a) (“the Commission . . . may, in its discretion . . . investigate”
possible violations of the securities laws); Exchange Act Section 21(a), 15 U.S.C. § 78u(a) (“The
Commission may, in its discretion, make such investigations as it deems necessary to determine
whether” the securities laws have been violated). Put another way, the SEC is entitled to issue
subpoenas to determine whether (among other things) the products at issue are securities; it need
not (as Respondents assume) prove the products are securities in order to secure compliance with
the subpoenas. Here, the SEC is investigating whether any of the CYNM-offered programs
violated the federal securities laws, and the subpoenas issued are relevant to that purpose.
Third, the subpoenas seek information that is not already in the SEC’s possession.
CYNM has only produced ten documents. Edwards Decl. ¶¶ 16, 20. The SEC has sought, but has
not received, documents concerning the structure and business of CYNM, the products that they
offer, the entities’ investments, and the crypto asset advertised on the CYNM website. Edwards
Decl. ¶¶ 10, 18 & Exs. 2, 6. Mr. Trujillo has not testified under oath nor produced documents
concerning, among other topics, his involvement with CYNM, the structure and nature of the
products CYNM has offered, relevant agreements between him and the CYNM entities,
advertising of the CYNM products, and information related to the CYN Token. Edwards Decl.
¶¶ 27, 31, 34 & Ex. 13. Dr. Hammonds has not testified under oath concerning, among other
things, his involvement with CYNM, the structure and nature of the products CYNM has
offered, relevant agreements between him and the CYNM entities, advertising of the CYNM
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products, and information related to the CYN Token. Edwards Decl. ¶¶ 37, 41 & Ex. 19. This
information is in CYNM’s, Mr. Trujillo’s, and Dr. Hammonds’ (and not the SEC’s) possession.
Fourth, the SEC staff has followed all required administrative steps. The Exchange Act
authorizes the SEC to initiate investigations and designate officers to, inter alia, subpoena
witnesses, take evidence, and require the production of records that the SEC deems relevant to its
investigation. 15 U.S.C. § 78u(a)(1), (b). The Commission delegated this authority to the
Director of the Division of Enforcement. 17 C.F.R. § 200.30-4(a)(13), (a)(1). The Director of
Enforcement approved the Formal Order initiating this investigation and authorizing designated
staff members to subpoena witnesses, take evidence, and require the production of records
deemed relevant to the investigation. Edwards Decl. ¶ 5. The subpoenas were signed by an SEC
staff attorney so designated for purposes of this investigation and were properly served on
CYNM, Mr. Trujillo, and Dr. Hammonds. Id. ¶¶ 10, 18, 27, 37 & Exs. 2, 6, 13, 19. The SEC has
thus met all administrative requirements.
Because the SEC readily satisfies its burden, the Court should enforce the Commission’s
administrative subpoenas. See, e.g., Resolution Trust Corp. v. Thornton, 41 F.3d 1539, 1544
(D.C. Cir. 1994) (“If an agency’s subpoena satisfies these requirements, we must enforce it.”)
(emphasis added) (citation omitted); see also, e.g., SEC v. Blackfoot Bituminous, Inc., 622 F.2d
512, 515–16 (10th Cir. 1980) (affirming district court orders enforcing SEC subpoenas); First
Sec. Bank of Utah, 447 F.2d at 167–69 (same); SEC v. Conway, No. 22-mc-00212-DDD-KAS,
2024 WL 4252821, at *13 (D. Colo. Sept. 19, 2024) (Report and Recommendation adopted by
the District Court Oct. 11, 2024); SEC v. Kimmel, No. 19-mc-00113-CMA, 2020 WL 2800813,
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at *5 (D. Colo. May 29, 2020) (compelling respondent to comply with SEC administrative
subpoenas); Harman Wright Grp., 2018 WL 6102758, at *3 (same).
III. Respondents Do Not Have a Valid Reason for Refusing to Comply with the
Subpoenas.
Having established that the SEC satisfies all the criteria to have its subpoenas judicially
enforced, Respondents may only resist compliance with the subpoenas if they can show that the
subpoenas are unreasonable, issued in bad faith or for other improper purposes, or that
“compliance would be ‘unnecessarily burdensome.’” RNR Enter., Inc., 122 F.3d at 97 (quoting
SEC v. Brigadoon Scotch, 480 F.2d 1047, 1056 (2d Cir. 1973)). It is the burden of the party who
received the subpoena to establish that the subpoena is unreasonable. See Blackfoot Bituminous,
622 F.2d at 515; Brigadoon Scotch, 480 F.2d at 1056. That burden is “not easily met” where, as
here, the SEC’s inquiry is legally authorized, and the information is relevant to the inquiry.
Brigadoon Scotch, 480 F.2d at 1056.
In refusing to comply with the Commission’s subpoenas, Respondents have raised two
arguments: (1) the programs CYNM offered and sold are not securities, and (2) all information
about the CYN Token must come from CASTYOURNETS, LTD, a related foreign entity.
Neither argument provides a valid reason for non-compliance.
First, Respondents assert that the SEC lacks jurisdiction to conduct its investigation
because the products CYNM offers and sells (or offered and sold) are loans and not securities.
Edwards Decl. ¶¶ 24, 33, 43 & Exs. 12, 18, 21. However, as noted above, while there is evidence
suggesting that the products are securities, proving one of the products is a security is not the
burden at this stage. In the federal securities laws, Congress committed the initiation and conduct
of investigations to the SEC’s “discretion.” See, e.g., Securities Act of 1933 (“Securities Act”)
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Section 20 [15 U.S.C. § 77t(a)] (“the Commission . . . may, in its discretion . . . investigate”
possible violations of the securities laws); Exchange Act Section 21(a) [15 U.S.C. § 78u(a)]
(“The Commission may, in its discretion, make such investigations as it deems necessary to
determine whether” the securities laws have been violated); see also O’Brien, 467 U.S. at 745
(“Congress intended to vest the SEC with considerable discretion in determining when and how
to investigate possible violations of the statutes administered by the Commission”); Gentile v.
SEC, 974 F.3d 311, 319 (3rd Cir. 2020) (“an agency’s decision on whether to investigate is a
matter committed to agency discretion by law”). The SEC “‘can investigate merely on suspicion
that the law is being violated, or even just because it wants assurance that it is not.’” SEC v.
Arthur Young & Co., 584 F.2d 1018, 1030 (D.C. Cir. 1978) (quoting Morton Salt Co., 338 U.S.
at 642–43). Put simply, while the SEC must ultimately prove the products at issue are securities
in any enforcement action it might bring, at this stage the SEC is entitled to subpoena
information to develop that proof and proof of any associated securities law violations.
Second, in seeking enforcement of these subpoenas, the SEC is not seeking documents
directly from CASTYOURNETS, LTD, the foreign entity. Rather, we have reason to believe that
Respondents have documents in their custody and control related to the CYN Token. The CYN
Token is advertised on the Cast Your Nets Ministries website under “services.” Edwards Decl.
¶ 26, n.4. Mr. Trujillo is listed as the Co-Founder and CEO of the CYN Token. Edwards Decl.
¶ 26. And Dr. Hammonds is listed as the COO of the CYN Token. Edwards Decl. ¶ 36. We have
also seen evidence that Cast Your Nets Ministries has received funds designated for the purchase
of “tokens” and has provided at least one individual with information about the CYN Token.
Edwards Decl. ¶ 15. Thus, it presumably has relevant information regarding the CYN Token.
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The fact that another entity or individual may also have relevant information does not excuse the
Respondents’ obligation to produce relevant information in their possession, custody, or control.
In sum, the SEC has met its slight burden to show that enforcement of the subpoenas is
appropriate, and Respondents cannot show that the subpoenas are unreasonable, issued in bad
faith or for other improper purposes, or that “‘compliance would be ‘unnecessarily
burdensome.’” RNR Enter., Inc., 122 F.3d at 97 (quoting Brigadoon Scotch, 480 F.2d at 1056).
CONCLUSION
For the reasons set forth above, the SEC respectfully requests that the Court: (1) issue an
Order to Show Cause why this Court should not order Respondents to comply with the SEC’s
administrative subpoenas; and (2) following receipt of Respondents’ arguments, if any, and a
reply thereto by the Commission, enter an Order compelling Respondents to comply with the
subpoenas and directing such other relief as may be appropriate.
Respectfully submitted this 12 day of December, 2024.
s/ Jacqueline M. Moessner
Jacqueline M. Moessner
Securities and Exchange Commission
1961 Stout Street, Suite 1700
Denver, CO 80294
(303) 844-1031
[email protected]
Counsel for the Securities and Exchange
Commission
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CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that on December 12, 2024, I caused the foregoing application and supporting
documents to be electronically filed using the CM/ECF system. I further certify that I will cause
a copy of the foregoing to be served by email and U.S. Mail on the following once this case is
docketed in the Court’s CM/ECF system:
Mr. Keith Barrows
KO Barrows Law
16 Chestnut Court
Jersey Shore, PA 17740
[email protected]
s/ Jacqueline M. Moessner
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
Case No. 1:24-mc-00122-DDD Document 1 filed 12/12/24 USDC Colorado pg 15
of 15IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLORADO Civil Miscellaneous Action No. 24-mc-________ SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, Petitioner, v. CAST YOUR NETS MINISTRIES; CYNM CONSULTING, LLC; PHILLIP TRUJILLO; and JEREMY (“JE”) HAMMONDS, Respondents. APPLICATION FOR ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE AND FOR ORDER COMPELLING COMPLIANCE WITH ADMINISTRATIVE SUBPOENAS The Securities and Exchange Commission (“Commission” or “SEC”) is investigating whether Cast Your Nets Ministries; CYNM Consulting, LLC; Phillip Trujillo; and Jeremy (“Je”) Hammonds1 are conducting a fraudulent and unregistered securities offering. In furtherance of its investigation, the SEC served administrative subpoenas seeking documents from Cast Your Nets Ministries; CYNM Consulting, LLC; and Mr. Trujillo and served administrative subpoenas seeking testimony from Mr. Trujillo and Dr. Hammonds (collectively, the “Respondents”). Other than producing ten documents, Cast Your Nets Ministries; CYNM Consulting, LLC; and Mr. 1 We understand Dr. Hammonds’ legal name to be Jeremy Hammonds but that he goes by Je Hammonds. Counsel has referred to him as Dr. Hammonds, and he is described on CYNM’s website as having a Ph.D. Accordingly, we refer to him as Dr. Hammonds as well. 122-DDD Case No. 1:24-mc-00122-DDD Document 1 filed 12/12/24 USDC Colorado pg 1 of 15 2 Trujillo have refused to comply with the Commission’s document subpoenas. Further, neither Mr. Trujillo nor Dr. Hammonds appeared for their scheduled testimony. Counsel for Respondents has informed the SEC staff that Respondents will not comply with the subpoenas, will not produce any additional documents, and will not appear for testimony. Counsel for the Respondents has acknowledged that Respondents “are fully aware that the SEC has reserved its authority to pursue enforcement of the subpoenas in federal court.” Declaration of Abigail L.P. Edwards (“Edwards Decl.”) ¶ 24 & Ex. 12. As a result, the SEC has no other remedy than the judicial enforcement of the subpoenas. In this case, the SEC needs this Court’s assistance to carry out its statutorily authorized mission to protect investors. The Commission respectfully requests that the Court: (1) issue an Order to Show Cause why Cast Your Nets Ministries; CYNM Consulting, LLC; Mr. Trujillo; and Dr. Hammonds should not be compelled to comply with the SEC’s administrative subpoenas; and (2) following notice and an opportunity to be heard, order Cast Your Nets Ministries; CYNM Consulting, LLC; Mr. Trujillo; and Dr. Hammonds to comply with the Commission’s subpoenas. STATEMENT OF FACTS I. Respondents Cast Your Nets Ministries is a Washington state non-profit corporation with its principal office located in Windsor, Colorado. Edwards Decl. ¶ 18. Cast Your Nets Ministries’ website lists Mr. Trujillo and Dr. Hammonds as members of its Leadership. Edwards Decl. ¶ 4, n.1. That website offered three investment programs and a crypto asset, all of which are described further below. Edwards Decl. ¶ 4. Cast Your Nets Ministries is also the parent company of CYNM Consulting, LLC. Edwards Decl. ¶ 12 & Ex. 3. Case No. 1:24-mc-00122-DDD Document 1 filed 12/12/24 USDC Colorado pg 2 of 15 3 CYNM Consulting, LLC is a limited liability corporation registered in the state of Delaware with its principal office located in Windsor, Colorado. Edwards Decl. ¶ 10. We collectively refer to Cast Your Nets Ministries and CYNM Consulting, LLC as “CYNM.” Mr. Trujillo is a board member of Cast Your Nets Ministries. Edwards Decl. ¶ 26. Mr. Trujillo was previously charged by the SEC with conducting a fraudulent offering (see SEC v. Trujillo, Civ. No. 09-cv-00403-MSK-KMT (D. Colo.) (February 26, 2009)) and subsequently convicted by criminal authorities and sentenced to 12 years in prison for the same underlying conduct (see Colorado v. Trujillo, D035 2010-CR-000749 (State of Colorado, Larimer County, March 7, 2012)). Edwards Decl. ¶ 26. Dr. Hammonds is the Chief Operating Officer (“COO”) of Cast Your Nets Ministries. Edwards Decl. ¶ 36. II. The SEC Formal Order and Investigation The SEC is investigating whether the Respondents are conducting a fraudulent and unregistered securities offering. Edwards Decl. ¶ 4. CYNM offered three investment programs and a crypto asset on its website: 1) the “CYN Legacy Program,” which was described as “a program partnering with Christian churches and organizations to facilitate fund raising projects”; 2) the “CYN Alternative Savings Plan,” which was described as “a short term, high- yield program that pays 2% per month up to 6 months for a total of 12%”; 3) the “Alternative Retirement Program,” which CYNM advertised at various times as providing “15% Yearly Returns” or “a 25% return each year for three years”; and 4) a crypto asset known as the “CYN Token,” which promises to “[d]ouble Your Case No. 1:24-mc-00122-DDD Document 1 filed 12/12/24 USDC Colorado pg 3 of 15 4 Retirement Savings In Just 5 Years.”2 Edwards Decl. ¶ 4. On April 11, 2024, the Commission issued an Order Directing Private Investigation and Designating Officers to Take Testimony in an investigation entitled In the Matter of CYNM Consulting, LLC. Edwards Decl. ¶ 5 (the “Formal Order”).3 A formal order generally describes the nature of an investigation and designates specific staff members to act as officers of the Commission for purposes of the investigation. The Formal Order empowers the designated staff members to administer oaths and affirmations, subpoena witnesses, compel their attendance, take evidence, and require the production of documents and other materials. Edwards Decl. ¶ 5. The Director of Enforcement approved the Formal Order. Id. The Formal Order was subsequently corrected on July 10, 2024, to change the name of the investigation to In the Matter of Cast Your Nets Ministries. Edwards Decl. ¶¶ 6–7. III. The Administrative Subpoenas Following issuance of the Formal Order, a member of the SEC staff designated in the Formal Order issued subpoenas to Respondents. Edwards Decl. ¶¶ 10, 18, 27, 37 & Exs. 2, 6, 13, 19. On May 20 and August 6, 2024, the SEC staff properly served subpoenas seeking documents 2 Per the CYN Token website, described further in the Edwards Decl. ¶ 26 n.4, the CYN Token is a “Faith-Driven Utility” Token, that promises “[a]ccess to alternative savings, retirement, and building programs,” “[a]ccess to low interest bridge, car, and home equity loans,” “access to CYN exclusive staking and vesting programs,” and other benefits. Edwards Decl. ¶ 4, n.2. 3 The SEC staff will provide a copy of the Formal Order or the corrected Formal Order to the Court upon request, but respectfully requests that any such review be conducted in camera. Case No. 1:24-mc-00122-DDD Document 1 filed 12/12/24 USDC Colorado pg 4 of 15 5 from CYNM Consulting, LLC and Cast Your Nets Ministries4 related to, among other things, the structure and business of the entities, the products CYNM offers, and the crypto asset advertised on CYNM’s website. Edwards Decl. ¶¶ 10, 18 & Exs. 2, 6. CYNM has only produced ten documents in response to these subpoenas. Edwards Decl. ¶¶ 16, 20. On September 30, 2024, the SEC staff designated in the Formal Order served a subpoena seeking documents and testimony from Mr. Trujillo concerning, among other things, the structure and nature of CYNM’s products. Edwards Decl. ¶ 27 & Ex. 13. The subpoena required Mr. Trujillo to appear for testimony at the Commission’s Denver Regional Office on October 21, 2024. Id. Mr. Trujillo has not produced any documents in response to this subpoena and did not appear for testimony. Edwards Decl. ¶¶ 31, 34. On September 30, 2024, the SEC staff designated in the Formal Order also served a subpoena for testimony on Dr. Hammonds. Edwards Decl. ¶ 37 & Ex. 19. The subpoena required Dr. Hammonds to appear for testimony at the Commission’s Denver Regional Office on October 22, 2024. Id. Dr. Hammonds did not appear for testimony as required by the subpoena. Id. ¶ 41. On November 1, 2024, counsel for Respondents sent the SEC staff three letters stating that CYNM Consulting, LLC; Cast Your Nets Ministries; and Mr. Trujillo would not be producing any more documents and that neither Mr. Trujillo nor Dr. Hammonds would be appearing for testimony. Edwards Decl. ¶¶ 24, 33, 43 & Exs. 12, 18, 21. CYNM has principally argued that the SEC does not have jurisdiction because the 4 The May 20, 2024 subpoena was served via UPS on CYNM Consulting, LLC’s registered agent as well as its principal office located in Windsor, Colorado. Edwards Decl. ¶ 10 & Ex. 2. After service of this subpoena, counsel appeared and accepted service of the August 6, 2024 subpoena. Edwards Decl. ¶ 18 & Ex. 6. Case No. 1:24-mc-00122-DDD Document 1 filed 12/12/24 USDC Colorado pg 5 of 15 6 products CYNM offers and sells are loans, not securities, and are therefore outside of the jurisdiction of the SEC. See Edwards Decl. ¶¶ 12, 16, 19, 20, 22, 24, 28, 33, 38, 43 & Exs. 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 18, 20, 21. CYNM has also stated that any documents or information about the CYN Token must come from a UK entity issuing the token, CASTYOURNETS, LTD. and that counsel could not accept service of a subpoena on behalf of that foreign entity. Edwards Decl. ¶¶ 13, 14 & Ex. 4. The SEC staff has explained (1) that Respondents must comply with the lawfully issued subpoenas, (2) that the staff has authority to investigate whether or not CYNM is offering and selling, or has offered and sold, unregistered securities and whether or not it is making false and misleading statements in the offer and sale of securities, or has made such statements, and (3) the ten documents produced by CYNM to date is insufficient to assess whether CYNM offered and sold securities and made false or misleading statements in connection therewith. Edwards Decl. ¶¶ 13, 17. Despite the SEC staff’s repeated attempts to secure compliance with the subpoenas, Respondents’ counsel informed the SEC staff that his clients would not comply with the subpoenas. Edwards Decl. ¶ 22 & Ex. 10. Specifically, on November 1, 2024, counsel stated that “CYNM will not be providing any further information to the SEC voluntarily in response to the subpoena issued to CYNM. We are fully aware that the SEC has reserved its authority to pursue enforcement of the subpoenas in federal court.” Edwards Decl. ¶ 24 & Ex. 12. Counsel reiterated this refusal to comply with the SEC subpoenas on behalf of Mr. Trujillo and Dr. Hammonds as well. Edwards Decl. ¶¶ 33, 43 & Exs. 18, 21. Case No. 1:24-mc-00122-DDD Document 1 filed 12/12/24 USDC Colorado pg 6 of 15 7 ARGUMENT I. The Court Has Jurisdiction and a Summary Proceeding is Appropriate. The Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) provides that the SEC “may, in its discretion, make such investigations as it deems necessary to determine whether any person has violated, is violating, or is about to violate [the Exchange Act].” 15 U.S.C. § 78u(a). As part of such investigations, SEC staff who are designated as officers of the SEC for purposes of the investigation may, among other things, subpoena documents and testimony. 15 U.S.C. § 78u(b). See also SEC v. O’Brien, 467 U.S. 735, 741 (1984) (“Congress has vested the SEC with broad authority to conduct investigations into possible violations of the federal securities laws and to demand production of evidence relevant to such investigations.”) The Court has jurisdiction over this subpoena enforcement action pursuant to Section 21(c) of the Exchange Act. See 15 U.S.C. § 78u(c); 15 U.S.C. § 78u(e); Fed. R. Civ. P. 81(a)(5). The SEC’s investigation is being conducted by the Denver Regional Office, Edwards Decl. ¶ 8, and thus jurisdiction and venue are appropriate in this district. See 15 U.S.C. § 78u(c) (“[T]he Commission may invoke the aid of any court of the United States within the jurisdiction of which such investigation . . . is carried on.”). The SEC respectfully requests that its application be considered promptly in a summary proceeding. “Federal securities law authorizes the SEC to seek an order from this Court requiring compliance with a subpoena in a summary proceeding.” SEC v. Harman Wright Grp., LLC, No. 18-mc-00190-CMA, 2018 WL 6102758, at *2 (D. Colo. Nov. 21, 2018) (aff’d, 777 F. App’x 276 (10th Cir. 2019); see also SEC v. Conway, No. 22-mc-00212-DDD-KAS, 2024 WL 4252821, at *3 (D. Colo. Sept. 19, 2024) (Report and Recommendation adopted by the District Case No. 1:24-mc-00122-DDD Document 1 filed 12/12/24 USDC Colorado pg 7 of 15 8 Court Oct. 11, 2024) (same). “Further, a prompt ruling on the SEC’s application is warranted to avoid further delay in the investigation.” Harman Wright Grp., LLC, 2018 WL 6102758, at *2 (citing SEC v. First Sec. Bank, 447 F.2d 166, 168 (10th Cir. 1971); SEC v. Lavin, 111 F.3d 921, 926 (D.C. Cir. 1997)). II. The Court Should Enforce the Administrative Subpoenas. Under well-established Supreme Court and Tenth Circuit precedent, this Court should enforce the SEC’s administrative subpoenas because: (1) the investigation is being conducted pursuant to a legitimate purpose; (2) the subpoenas seek information that may be relevant to that purpose; (3) the information sought is not already in the SEC’s possession; and (4) all required administrative steps have been followed. Harman Wright Grp., 2018 WL 6102758, at *2 (citing United States v. Powell, 379 U.S. 48, 57–58 (1964); RNR Enter., Inc. v. SEC, 122 F.3d 93, 96 (2d Cir. 1997); see also Application to Enforce Administrative Subpoenas Duces Tecum of SEC v. Knowles, 87 F.3d 413, 415 (10th Cir. 1996)); Conway, 2024 WL 4252821, at *3 (also quoting Powell). The SEC’s burden under this framework is a “‘slight one,’ and ‘[t]he requisite showing is generally made by affidavit of the agent who issued the summons and who is seeking enforcement.’” Harman Wright Grp., 2018 WL 6102758, at *2 (quoting United States v. Balanced Fin. Mgmt., Inc., 769 F.2d 1440, 1443 (10th Cir. 1985) (internal quotations omitted)); see also Conway, 2024 WL 4252821, at *3. As discussed below, the SEC meets these factors. First, the Commission’s investigation is being conducted pursuant to a legitimate purpose. “Congress has vested the SEC with broad authority to conduct investigations into possible violations of the federal securities laws and to demand production of evidence relevant to such investigations.” O’Brien, 467 U.S. at 741. The Formal Order pursuant to which the Case No. 1:24-mc-00122-DDD Document 1 filed 12/12/24 USDC Colorado pg 8 of 15 9 subpoenas were issued authorizes such an investigation into possible violations of the federal securities laws. Edwards Decl. ¶ 5. As discussed above, the SEC is investigating whether Respondents are conducting a fraudulent and unregistered securities offering. Edwards Decl. ¶ 4. CYNM publicly advertised on its website, and offered and sold, three investment programs and a crypto asset, each of which may be a security. Id. The SEC is investigating whether CYNM violated the federal securities laws in connection with the offer or sale of a security. Second, the subpoenas seek information that may be relevant to the SEC’s legitimate investigation. “Administrative agencies vested with investigatory power have broad discretion to require the disclosure of information concerning matters within their jurisdiction.” Philips Petroleum Co. v. Lujan, 951 F.2d 257, 260 (10th Cir. 1991). Relevance is established when the information sought is not “plainly incompetent or irrelevant to any lawful purpose.” Endicott Johnson Corp. v. Perkins, 317 U.S. 501, 509 (1943) (cited in Philips Petroleum, 951 F.2d at 260). The subpoenas seek documents and testimony concerning the structure and business of CYNM, the products that they offered and sold, information about investors or customers who purchased those products, the crypto asset advertised on the CYNM website, Mr. Trujillo’s involvement with CYNM, relevant agreements between Mr. Trujillo and CYNM, Dr. Hammonds’ involvement with CYNM, and relevant agreements between Dr. Hammonds and CYNM. Edwards Decl. ¶¶ 10, 18, 27, 37 & Exs. 2, 6, 13, 19. That information is relevant to the SEC’s investigation into whether the products CYNM is offering and selling (or has offered and sold) are securities and whether CYNM has violated the federal securities laws in connection with such offers or sales, including by making fraudulent statements and engaging in an unregistered securities offering. While there is evidence suggesting that the products are Case No. 1:24-mc-00122-DDD Document 1 filed 12/12/24 USDC Colorado pg 9 of 15 10 securities, proving one of the products is a security is not the burden at this stage. As discussed below, in the federal securities laws, Congress committed the initiation and conduct of investigations to the SEC’s “discretion.” See, e.g., Securities Act of 1933 (“Securities Act”) Section 20, 15 U.S.C. § 77t(a) (“the Commission . . . may, in its discretion . . . investigate” possible violations of the securities laws); Exchange Act Section 21(a), 15 U.S.C. § 78u(a) (“The Commission may, in its discretion, make such investigations as it deems necessary to determine whether” the securities laws have been violated). Put another way, the SEC is entitled to issue subpoenas to determine whether (among other things) the products at issue are securities; it need not (as Respondents assume) prove the products are securities in order to secure compliance with the subpoenas. Here, the SEC is investigating whether any of the CYNM-offered programs violated the federal securities laws, and the subpoenas issued are relevant to that purpose. Third, the subpoenas seek information that is not already in the SEC’s possession. CYNM has only produced ten documents. Edwards Decl. ¶¶ 16, 20. The SEC has sought, but has not received, documents concerning the structure and business of CYNM, the products that they offer, the entities’ investments, and the crypto asset advertised on the CYNM website. Edwards Decl. ¶¶ 10, 18 & Exs. 2, 6. Mr. Trujillo has not testified under oath nor produced documents concerning, among other topics, his involvement with CYNM, the structure and nature of the products CYNM has offered, relevant agreements between him and the CYNM entities, advertising of the CYNM products, and information related to the CYN Token. Edwards Decl. ¶¶ 27, 31, 34 & Ex. 13. Dr. Hammonds has not testified under oath concerning, among other things, his involvement with CYNM, the structure and nature of the products CYNM has offered, relevant agreements between him and the CYNM entities, advertising of the CYNM Case No. 1:24-mc-00122-DDD Document 1 filed 12/12/24 USDC Colorado pg 10 of 15 11 products, and information related to the CYN Token. Edwards Decl. ¶¶ 37, 41 & Ex. 19. This information is in CYNM’s, Mr. Trujillo’s, and Dr. Hammonds’ (and not the SEC’s) possession. Fourth, the SEC staff has followed all required administrative steps. The Exchange Act authorizes the SEC to initiate investigations and designate officers to, inter alia, subpoena witnesses, take evidence, and require the production of records that the SEC deems relevant to its investigation. 15 U.S.C. § 78u(a)(1), (b). The Commission delegated this authority to the Director of the Division of Enforcement. 17 C.F.R. § 200.30-4(a)(13), (a)(1). The Director of Enforcement approved the Formal Order initiating this investigation and authorizing designated staff members to subpoena witnesses, take evidence, and require the production of records deemed relevant to the investigation. Edwards Decl. ¶ 5. The subpoenas were signed by an SEC staff attorney so designated for purposes of this investigation and were properly served on CYNM, Mr. Trujillo, and Dr. Hammonds. Id. ¶¶ 10, 18, 27, 37 & Exs. 2, 6, 13, 19. The SEC has thus met all administrative requirements. Because the SEC readily satisfies its burden, the Court should enforce the Commission’s administrative subpoenas. See, e.g., Resolution Trust Corp. v. Thornton, 41 F.3d 1539, 1544 (D.C. Cir. 1994) (“If an agency’s subpoena satisfies these requirements, we must enforce it.”) (emphasis added) (citation omitted); see also, e.g., SEC v. Blackfoot Bituminous, Inc., 622 F.2d 512, 515–16 (10th Cir. 1980) (affirming district court orders enforcing SEC subpoenas); First Sec. Bank of Utah, 447 F.2d at 167–69 (same); SEC v. Conway, No. 22-mc-00212-DDD-KAS, 2024 WL 4252821, at *13 (D. Colo. Sept. 19, 2024) (Report and Recommendation adopted by the District Court Oct. 11, 2024); SEC v. Kimmel, No. 19-mc-00113-CMA, 2020 WL 2800813, Case No. 1:24-mc-00122-DDD Document 1 filed 12/12/24 USDC Colorado pg 11 of 15 12 at *5 (D. Colo. May 29, 2020) (compelling respondent to comply with SEC administrative subpoenas); Harman Wright Grp., 2018 WL 6102758, at *3 (same). III. Respondents Do Not Have a Valid Reason for Refusing to Comply with the Subpoenas. Having established that the SEC satisfies all the criteria to have its subpoenas judicially enforced, Respondents may only resist compliance with the subpoenas if they can show that the subpoenas are unreasonable, issued in bad faith or for other improper purposes, or that “compliance would be ‘unnecessarily burdensome.’” RNR Enter., Inc., 122 F.3d at 97 (quoting SEC v. Brigadoon Scotch, 480 F.2d 1047, 1056 (2d Cir. 1973)). It is the burden of the party who received the subpoena to establish that the subpoena is unreasonable. See Blackfoot Bituminous, 622 F.2d at 515; Brigadoon Scotch, 480 F.2d at 1056. That burden is “not easily met” where, as here, the SEC’s inquiry is legally authorized, and the information is relevant to the inquiry. Brigadoon Scotch, 480 F.2d at 1056. In refusing to comply with the Commission’s subpoenas, Respondents have raised two arguments: (1) the programs CYNM offered and sold are not securities, and (2) all information about the CYN Token must come from CASTYOURNETS, LTD, a related foreign entity. Neither argument provides a valid reason for non-compliance. First, Respondents assert that the SEC lacks jurisdiction to conduct its investigation because the products CYNM offers and sells (or offered and sold) are loans and not securities. Edwards Decl. ¶¶ 24, 33, 43 & Exs. 12, 18, 21. However, as noted above, while there is evidence suggesting that the products are securities, proving one of the products is a security is not the burden at this stage. In the federal securities laws, Congress committed the initiation and conduct of investigations to the SEC’s “discretion.” See, e.g., Securities Act of 1933 (“Securities Act”) Case No. 1:24-mc-00122-DDD Document 1 filed 12/12/24 USDC Colorado pg 12 of 15 13 Section 20 [15 U.S.C. § 77t(a)] (“the Commission . . . may, in its discretion . . . investigate” possible violations of the securities laws); Exchange Act Section 21(a) [15 U.S.C. § 78u(a)] (“The Commission may, in its discretion, make such investigations as it deems necessary to determine whether” the securities laws have been violated); see also O’Brien, 467 U.S. at 745 (“Congress intended to vest the SEC with considerable discretion in determining when and how to investigate possible violations of the statutes administered by the Commission”); Gentile v. SEC, 974 F.3d 311, 319 (3rd Cir. 2020) (“an agency’s decision on whether to investigate is a matter committed to agency discretion by law”). The SEC “‘can investigate merely on suspicion that the law is being violated, or even just because it wants assurance that it is not.’” SEC v. Arthur Young & Co., 584 F.2d 1018, 1030 (D.C. Cir. 1978) (quoting Morton Salt Co., 338 U.S. at 642–43). Put simply, while the SEC must ultimately prove the products at issue are securities in any enforcement action it might bring, at this stage the SEC is entitled to subpoena information to develop that proof and proof of any associated securities law violations. Second, in seeking enforcement of these subpoenas, the SEC is not seeking documents directly from CASTYOURNETS, LTD, the foreign entity. Rather, we have reason to believe that Respondents have documents in their custody and control related to the CYN Token. The CYN Token is advertised on the Cast Your Nets Ministries website under “services.” Edwards Decl. ¶ 26, n.4. Mr. Trujillo is listed as the Co-Founder and CEO of the CYN Token. Edwards Decl. ¶ 26. And Dr. Hammonds is listed as the COO of the CYN Token. Edwards Decl. ¶ 36. We have also seen evidence that Cast Your Nets Ministries has received funds designated for the purchase of “tokens” and has provided at least one individual with information about the CYN Token. Edwards Decl. ¶ 15. Thus, it presumably has relevant information regarding the CYN Token. Case No. 1:24-mc-00122-DDD Document 1 filed 12/12/24 USDC Colorado pg 13 of 15 14 The fact that another entity or individual may also have relevant information does not excuse the Respondents’ obligation to produce relevant information in their possession, custody, or control. In sum, the SEC has met its slight burden to show that enforcement of the subpoenas is appropriate, and Respondents cannot show that the subpoenas are unreasonable, issued in bad faith or for other improper purposes, or that “‘compliance would be ‘unnecessarily burdensome.’” RNR Enter., Inc., 122 F.3d at 97 (quoting Brigadoon Scotch, 480 F.2d at 1056). CONCLUSION For the reasons set forth above, the SEC respectfully requests that the Court: (1) issue an Order to Show Cause why this Court should not order Respondents to comply with the SEC’s administrative subpoenas; and (2) following receipt of Respondents’ arguments, if any, and a reply thereto by the Commission, enter an Order compelling Respondents to comply with the subpoenas and directing such other relief as may be appropriate. Respectfully submitted this 12 day of December, 2024. s/ Jacqueline M. Moessner Jacqueline M. Moessner Securities and Exchange Commission 1961 Stout Street, Suite 1700 Denver, CO 80294 (303) 844-1031 [email protected] Counsel for the Securities and Exchange Commission Case No. 1:24-mc-00122-DDD Document 1 filed 12/12/24 USDC Colorado pg 14 of 15 15 CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I hereby certify that on December 12, 2024, I caused the foregoing application and supporting documents to be electronically filed using the CM/ECF system. I further certify that I will cause a copy of the foregoing to be served by email and U.S. Mail on the following once this case is docketed in the Court’s CM/ECF system: Mr. Keith Barrows KO Barrows Law 16 Chestnut Court Jersey Shore, PA 17740 [email protected] s/ Jacqueline M. Moessner U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Case No. 1:24-mc-00122-DDD Document 1 filed 12/12/24 USDC Colorado pg 15 of 15