SEC obtains order freezing assets in alleged scam

MIAMI (AP) — The Securities and Exchange Commission has obtained a court order freezing the assets of an alleged South Florida fraud scheme operated out of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The SEC said Wednesday the assets of Abatement Corp. Holding Company Ltd. have been frozen. Authorities say the company and its chief executive, Joseph Laurer, raised more than $4.6 million from about 50 investors mainly in South Florida.