[ by Melanie Gretchen ] An RR in Coachella, CA, completed 19 online courses and tests at his member firm.  Unfortunately for the firm, FINRA, and then him, they were not his courses or tests to take. FINRA Findings and Allegations. Russell Steven Jackson joined the securities industry on 9/9/01 when he became associated with Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated ("Merrill") from 1/20/05 through 9/8/11.  Holding Series 7 and 66 licenses, he improperly completed 19 online courses and tests for another individual who was associated with Merrill, from March 2009 through January 2011:

• 4 long-term care insurance continuing education ("CE") courses
• 2 Merrill Firm Element courses, 9 Merrill "Wealth Management Advisor" program designation courses and the associated final exam for the Wealth Management Advisor designation
• 2 Merrill employee policy courses
• 1 product CE course for the other individual.

FINRA Sanctions. Jackson was suspended for 6 months from 3/19/12 through 10/18/12, for violating FINRA Rule 2010.  In addition, he was fined $5,000.  Going forward, he must provide evidence of having completed 8 hours of ethnics training in a FINRA-approved program acceptable to FINRA, with 3 months of re-association with a FINRA member.  FINRA retains jurisdiction over Jackson until September 7, 2013. On 9/8/11, Merrill filed a Form FFS for Jackson, terminating his association with the firm as of 8/1211, since which he has not been associated with a FINRA member. For further details, go to [FINRA AWC #4707311] and [May 2012 Monthly & Quarterly Disciplinary Actions].