disciplinary action ac-2017-03- california board of … 1. patti bowers (complainant) brings this...

BEFORE THE CALIFORNIA BOARD OF ACCOUNTANCY DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS

STATE OF CALIFORNIA

In the Matter of the AcCllsation Against Case No AC-2017~3

NICHOLAS RALPH BOTTINI 4 Hutton Center Drive Suite 750 Santa Ana CA 92707

Certified Public Accmmtant Certifhate No 106687

Respondet1t

DECISION AND ORDER

The attached Stipulated Surrender ofLicense and Order is hereby adopted by the

California Hoard of Accountancy Department of Consumer Affairs) us its Decision in this

matter

This Decision shall become effective on __ffi~~-lJlbj_- middot It is-so ORDERED middot N) Uitt~ -bOl01)__

~~~~~ FOR THE CALIFORNIA BOA OF ACCOUNTANCY DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS

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XAVIER BECERRA Attorney General ofCalifornia JAMES M LEDAKIS Supervising Deputy Attorney General CARL W SONNE Deputy Attorney General State Bar No 116253

600 West Broadway Suite 1800 San Diego) CA 92 I01 PO Box 85266 Sfm Diego CA 92186~5266 Telephonc (619) 738~9423 Facsimile (619) 645~2061

Attorneysor Complainant

BEFORl~ THE CALIFORNIA BOARD OF ACCOUNTANCY DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS

STATE OF CALIFORNIA

ln the Matter ofthe Accusation Against Case No AC-2017~3

NICHOLAS RALPH BOTTINI 4 Hutton Center Drive Suite 750 Santa Ana CA 92707 STlPULATlpound0 smiddotui~RINDl~R OF

LIC14NSE AND ORllER Certified Public Accountant Certificate No 106687

Respondent

IT IS HEREBY STIPULATED AND AGREED by and between the parties to the above~

entitled proceedings that the following matters are true

PARTIES

l Patti Bowers (Complainant) is the Executive Officer ofthe California Board of

Accomttancy (CBA) She brought this action solely in her official capacity and is represented in

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this matter by Xavier Becerra Attorney General of the State of California by Car W Sonne

Deputy Attorney GeneraL

2 Nicholas Ralph Bottini (Respondent) is representing himself in this proceeding and

has chosen not to exercise his right to be represented by counseL

1

Stipulated Summdcr of License (Case No AC~2017-3)

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-middot~---- -----------shy

3 On or about October 29~ 2009 the CBA issued Certified Public Accountant

Certificate No 106687 to Nicholas Ralph Bottini (Respondent) The Certified Public Accountant

Certificate was in full force and effect at all times rclevantto tbe charges brougl)t in First

Amended Accusation No AC2017~l and will expire on June 3I) 2017 uriless renewed

JJJRISQigiiQN

4 First Amended Accusation No AC-2017middotmiddotJwas filed befure the CBA and is currently

pendh1g 11gainst Respondent The FirstAmended Accusation and all other statutorily requited

documents were properly served on Resptmdent on February 3~ 2017 Respondent timely filed

hisNotice ofDefense contesting the First Amended Accusation A copy ofFirst Amen~d

Accusation Nltgt AC-2017-3 is attached as Exhibit A and incorporated byrefer~nc~

ADYISEMBNl AND W~S

5 Rcentspondent has carefully read and understands the charges ruld allrtgationsin irs~

Amended Accusation No AC-2017~3 Respondentalso has careftllly read andundersJands the

~~ffects ofthis Stipulated Surre11det ofLicenampe and Order

6 middotRespondentt~ fullyawnte ofhis legalrights inthisgtma1ter inclulting the rightto a

-h~afirtg on-the-charges-and allegaiions iti-tneFrsfAmeiiiled A~cusationfthe-nght to be --- shy

represented by counsel at his own expense the right tQ confront andmiddot cross--examinethe witnessesmiddot

against him the tight to present evidenc( and to testifY onhis own behalf the right to the

issuance ofsubpomas to compel the attendance ()f witn~sscs and the produ~iion ofdocumentS

the right to reconsideration and court review ofan adyerse dcentcision a11d aU other rights accorded

by the California Administrative Procedure Act and other ilPPiicable laws

7 Respondent voluntarily knowing1y and intelligently waives and gi~es up each and

every right set forth above

CULfAUILITY

8 Respondent admits the truth ofeach and every charge and allegation in First

Amended Accusation No AC-2017-3 agrees that cause exists for discipline and hereby

surrenders his Certified Public Accountant Certificate No 106687 for the CBAs formal

acceptance

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Stipulated SurtCnder ofLicense (Case No AC~20173

----------~---~-----------middot-~------- -------~---- ------------------------ ------middotmiddot-----~-----~~~----

--- ------- --

1 9 Respondent understands that by signing this stipulation he enables the CBAto issue

2 an order accepting the surrender ofhis Certified Public Accountant Certificate withcgtut further

3 process

4 CQmINGENCX

S 10 This stipulation shall be subject to approval by the CBA Respondentundertand~

6 and agrees that counsel for Complainant and the stafrofthe CBAmay cotmnunicate dir~tlywith

7 the CBA regarding this stipuladon and surrender~ witboutnotice t() or pmticipadon by

$ RespondeJlt By signing tbestipulation Respondcnfuudtm~tandsandagrees that4o maynot

9 withdraw his agr~ment or seek ttr rescind t~ middotstipulation prior to the time he CBA cons1detts and

10 acta upon it lfthe CBA hils ta adopt this stipulation as itg Dec~iQn and Orderthemiddot ~1fpulat~

11 Surrender and Disciplinary Order shall bo of no fQrce or effect except for this p~agdtph it shall

12 be inadmissible in any legal action bctw~n the partils atd tbeCBA shall not be disqtutlified

l3 from further action by having considered this matter

14 11 The parties undetstand and agree that Portable Dqcum~nt Fomjt (PDFand tacsimile

) 15 copies of thismiddotStipulated Surrender ofLicense and Onf~rJlWlu44tg PDF middotacent facsimile signatures --- middotmiddot-middotshy --middot -- -middot -shy

thereto shall have the same forciand-elfeci a$Tbiorig~nal~

17 12 This Stipulated Stmender of LicenooanQ Order is intended by the parties to be an

18 integrated writing representing the complete final and centxclusive embodiment oftheiragreement

19 Itsupersedesany and all prior or contempotpoundtneous agreements undctstand~fh diScussions~

to negotiations and commitments (written or oral~ This Stipulated Surrender ofLicense and Order

middot21 may not be altered amended modified)supplemented orotherwise changed except bya writing

22 executed by an authorized repr~s~ntative ofeaeh ofthe parties

23 13 In consideration ofUte foregoing admissionsmiddotand stipulations the parties agreethat

24 the CBA may without fUrther nqUce or formal proceedin~ issue and entex the fbllowing Order

25 QER

26 IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that Certified Public Accountant Certificate No l06687

21 issued to Respondent Nicholas Ralph Bottini is surrendered and accepted by the CBA

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3 Stipulated St11TC1der ofLicense (Case No AC-2017-3)

-----~ ------- --~ - --- shy ~--~--- shy- -------~-------- ---middot-------------- ---- --shy--------~~----- -~--middotmiddotmiddot-----middot--

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1 The surrender ofRespondents Certified Public Accountant Certificate and the

acceptance ofthc surrendered license by the CBA shaH constitute the imposition ofdi~cipline

against Respondent This stipulation constitutes a record ofthe diseipHne aJ~d shall become a part

ofRespondents license hilltory with the CBA

2 Respondent shall lose all rights and privileges as a certified public accltlltntant in

California as ofthe effective date ofthe CBAs Decision and Order

3 Respondeut shall causcto he dclivered to the CBA his pocket license and ifone was

isstIed his waU certificate C)u or before the effective date ofthe Decision and Order

4 IfRespondent ever files an application for licensure or a petiticm for rciustatetnent in

the State of California~ themiddot CBA shall treat it as a petition for reinstatement Respondent n1ust

comply with all the laws~ regulations and procedures forreinstatement oh revoked license in

effect at the time the petitipn is filed and aU ofthe charges and allegations contalnedin First

Amended Accusation No ACgt20l7Jshallmiddothe deemed to be tnte1 cotrectmiddotand amnittedby

Respondent whenfhe CBA determhtes whetherto grantor deny the petition

5 Respondent shall pay the agency its costs of investigation and et1forcement in the

amount ~f$233080 prior to issuance or a new or reiiistiitedliriense

ACCEPTANCE

1have carefully read the Stipulated Surrender ofLicense and Order lunderstand the

stipulation and the effect it will haveon my Certified Public Accountant Certificate lentergtitlto

this Stipulated Surrender ofLicense and Order voluntarily knowingly and intelligently and

agree to be bound by the Decision and Order ofthe (1jA

DATED

Respondent

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Stipulated Surrender ofLic-USe (Case No AC2011middot3)

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ENDORSEMENT

The foregoing Stipulated Surrender ofLlcense and Otder is hereby respectfully submitted

for consideration by the CBA ofthe Department of Consumer Affairs

Dated RespectfrrUy subrnittedl

XAVHR BECERRA Attorney General ofCalilbrnia JAMES M LEDAKIS Supervising Deputy Attorney General

CARL V SONNH Depmiddotuty Attorney Genexal Attorneysjor Complainant

SII1(J1671H931 81588480doc

rshy

5 Stipulated Surrender of License (Case No ACgt2017-3)

1

Exhibit A

First Amended Accusation No AC-2017-3

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XAVffiR BECERRA Attorney General ofCalifornia JAMES M LEDAKIS Supervising Deputy Attorney General CARL W SONNE Deputy Attorney General State Bar No 115253

600 West Broadway Suite 1800 San Diego CA 92101 PO Box 85266 San Diego CA 92186-5266 Telephone (619) 738-9423 Facsimile (619) 645-2061

Attorneys for Complainant


STATE OF CALIFORNIA

In the Matter of the Accusation Against


Certified Public Accountant Certificate No 106687

Case No AC-2017-3

FIRST AMENDED ACCUSATION

Respondent

11-----------------------------~

Complainant alleges

PARTIES

1 Patti Bowers (Complainant) brings this Accusation solely in her official capacity as the

Executive Officer of the California Board ofAccountancy Department ofConsumer Affairs

2 On or about October 29 2009 the California Board of Accountancy (CBA) issued

Certified Public Accountant Certificate Number 106687 to Nicholas Ralph Bottini (Respondent)

The Certified Public Accountant Certificate was in full force and effect at all times relevant to the

charges brought herein and will expire on June 30 2017 unless renewed

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(NICHOLAS RALPH BOTTINI) ACCUSATION

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JURISDICTIONAL AND STATUTORY PROVISIONS

3 This Accusation is brought before the CBA Department of Consumer Affairs under

the authority of the following laws All section references are to the Business and Professions

Code unless otherwise indicated

4 Section 141 ofthe Code states

(a) For any licensee holding a license issued by a board under the jurisdiction of the department a disciplinary action taken by another state by any agency of the federal government or by another country for any act substantially related to the practice regulated by the California license may be a ground for disciplinary action by

the respective state licensing board A certified copy of the record of the disciplinary action taken against the licensee by ~nother state an agency of the federal government or another country shall be conclusive evidence of the events related therein

(b) Nothing in this section shall preclude a board from applying a specific statutory provision in the licensing act administered by that board that provides for discipline based upon a disciplinary action taken against the licensee by another state an agency of the federal government or another country


The expiration cancellation forfeiture or suspension of a license practice privilege or other authority to practice public accountancy by operation of law or by order or decision of the board or a court oflaw the placement of a license on a retired

middotmiddot middot middot ~ status or the voluntary surrenderofalicense by a licensee shall not deprivethe board ofmiddot jurisdiction to commence or proceed with any investigation of or action or disciplinary proceeding against the licensee or to render a decision suspending or revoking the license


After notice and hearing the board may revoke suspend or refuse to renew any permit or certificate granted under Article 4 (commencing with Section 5070) and Article 5 (commencing with Section 5080) or may censure the holder ofthat permit or certificate for unprofessional conduct that includes but is not limited to one or any combination of the following causes

(g) Willful violation of this chapter or any rule or regulation promulgated by the board under the authority granted under this chapter

(h) Suspension or revocation ofthe right to practice before any governmental body or agency

(1) The imposition of any discipline penalty or sanction on a registered public accounting firm or any associated person ofsuch firm or both or on any other holder of a permit certificate license or other authority to practice in this state by the Public

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Company Accounting Oversight Board or the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or their designees under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 or other federal legislation

7 Section 51005 subdivision (a) ofthe Code states

After notice and hearing the board may for unprofessional conduct permanently restrict or limit the practice of a licensee or impose a probationary term orcondition on a license which prohibits the licensee from performing or engaging in any of the acts or services described in Section 5051

REGULATORY PROVISIONS

8 California Code ofRegulations title 16 section 99 states

For the purposes of denial suspension or revocation of a certificate or permit pursuant to Division 15 (commencing with Section 475) ofthe Business and Professions Code a crime or act shall be considered to be substantially related to the qualifications functions or duties ofa certified public accountant or public accountant ifto a substantial degree it evidences present or potential unfitness ofa certified public accountant or public accountant to perform the functions authorized by his or her certificate or permit in a manner consistent with the public health safety or welfare Such crimes or acts shall include but not be limited to those involving the following

(a) Dishonesty fraud or breach of fiduciary responsibility of any kind

(b) Fraud or deceit in obtaining a certified public accountants certificate or a public accountants permit under Chapter 1 Division III ofthe Business and Professions Code

(c) Gross negligence in the practice ofpublic accountancy or in the performance of the bookkeeping operations described in Section 5052 of the code

(d) Violation ofany ofthe provisions ofChapter 1 Division III ofthe Business and Professions Code or willful violation of any rule or regulation of the board

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

9 Code section 5063 subdivisions (a)(3) and (b)(5) state

(a) A licensee shall report to the board in writing ofthe occurrence of any of the following events occurring on or after January 1 1997 within 30 days ofthe date the licensee has k1owledge of these events middot

(3) The cancellation revocation or suspension of the right to practice as a certified public accountant or a public accountant before any governmental body or agency

(b) A licensee shall report to the board in writing the occurrence of any of the following events occurring on or after January 1 2003 within 30 days of the date the licenseemiddot has knowledge of the events

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(3) Any notice of the opening or initiation of a formal investigation of the licensee by the Securities and Exchange Commission or its designee

COSTS AND PENALTIES

10 Section 5107 subdivision (a) of the Code states

The executive officer ofthe board may request the administrative law judge as part ofthe proposed decision in a disciplinary proceeding to direct any holder of a permit or certificate found to have committed a violation or violations ofthis chapter to pay to the board all reasonable costs ofinvestigation and prosecution ofthe case including but not limited to attorneys fees The board shall not recover costs incurred at the administrative hearing

11 Section 5116 of the Code provides in pertinent part that the Board may order any

licensee or applicant for licensure or examination to pay an administrative penalty as part ofany

disciplinary proceeding Administrative penalties shall be in addition to any other penalties or

sanctions imposed on the licensee or other person including but not limited to license

revocation license suspension denial of the application for licensure denial of the petition for

reinstatement or denial of admission to the licensing examination Payment ofthese administrative

penalties may be included as a condition ofprobation when probation is ordered

FACTUAtALLEGATIONSRE JULY 1 20l4SEC ORDER

12 On or about July l 2014 inln the Matter ofEFP Rotenberg LLP and Nicholas R

Bottini CPA Administrative Proceeding File No 3-15952 the United States Securities and

Exchange Commission (SEC or Commission) filed an Order Instituting Public Administrative and

Cease-and-Desist Proceedings Pursuant to Section 8A ofthe Securities Act of 1933 Sections 21C

and 4C of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 102(e) of the Commissions Rules of

Practice Making Findings and Imposing Remedial Sanctions and Cease-and-Desist Order (SEC

Order No 1)

13 The Commission found inter alia that during the audit of the financial statements of

Universal Travel Group a public company for the year ending December 31 2010 Respondent

failed to inquire of the previous auditor prior to accepting Universal Travel Group as a client

failed to adequately plan the audit (ie failed to obtain a sufficient understanding of the clients

internal controls and adequately extend or revise procedures to address indications of fraud)

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failed to obtam sufficient competent evidence exercise due professional care exhibit heightened

professional skepticism and control over the confirmation process and failed to adequately

document accounts receivable and retain documentation

14 As a result of the conduct described above the Commission found that Respondent

engaged in improper professional conduct pursuant to Section 4C(a)(2) of the Exchange Act Rule

102(e)(1)(ii) of the Commissions Rules ofPractice which prohibit auditing deficiencies and Rule

2-06 under Regulation S-X [17 CPR sect 21022-06] which requires retention of records relevant

to the audit for seven years

15 Without admitting or denying the Commissions fmdings Respondent consented to the

entry of the SEC Order No 1 which inter alia provided that

a Respondent shall cease and desist from committing or causing any violations and

any future violations of Rule 2-06 under Regulation S-X [17 CPR sect 21002-06]

b Respondent is denied the privilege of appearing or practicing before the

Commission as a certified public accountant

c After two years from the date of the ComJYiissions Order Respondent may

request thafthe Commission -consider h1s remsiatemenfby subm1timg an application to resume appearing or practicing before the Commission

d Within thirty days of the entry of the SEC Order No 1 Respondent was

required to pay the Commission a civil money penalty in the amount of $25000

FACTUAL ALLEGATIONS RE JULY 222016 SEC ORDER

16 On or about July 22 2016 in In the Matter ofEFP Rotenberg LLP and Nicholas

R Bottini CPA Administrative Proceeding File No 3-17456 the Commission filed an Order

Instituting Public Administrative and Cease-and-Desist Proceedings Pursuant to Sections 4C and

21C of the Securities Act of 1934 and Rule 102(e) ofthe Commissions Rules ofPractice

Making Findings and Imposing Remedial Sanctions and Cease-and-Desist Order (SEC Order

No2)

17 The Commission found inter alia that Respondent as a engagement partner

willfully aided and abetted the violations of Section 1 OA of the Exchange Act when he and his firm

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conducted an audit ofContinuityX Solutions (ContinuityX) without including procedures which

were designed to (1) provide reasonable assurance of detecting illegal acts and (2) identify related

party transactions In addition the Commission found that Respondent repeatedly engaged in

improper professional conduct that resulted in violations ofprofessional standards and

demonstrated a lack of competence to practice before the Commission That conduct included

failures to (1) appropriately respond to risks ofmaterial misstatement (2) identify related party

transactions (3) obtainmiddot sufficient audit evidence ( 4) perform procedures to resolve and properly

document inconsistencies (5) investigate management representations that contradicted other

audit evidence and (6) exercise due professional care Respondent further violated applicable

standards when he represented that the Continuity X audit had been performed in accordance with

standards promulgated by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board when it had not



102(e)(1)(ii) ofthe Commissions Rules ofPractice which prohibit auditing deficiencies and Rule

102(e)(l)(ii) and (iii) ofthe Commissions Rules ofPractice

middot I 9middot middot middotwrtfiout adrrutting- or denymg the Comtilissioll st11ldmgs middotRespondent c6nsel1tecfi6 tlie

entry of the SEC Order No2 which inter alia provided that


any future violations of Section 10A(a)(1) and 10(a)(2) ofthe Exchange Act and Rule 2-02(b)(1)

under Regulation S-X [17 CFR sect 21002-02]

b Respondent shall pay the Commission a civil money penalty in the amount of

$25000

c Respondent is denied the privilege of appearing or practicing before the

Commission as an accountant

Ill

Ill

Ill

Ill

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FIRST CAUSE FOR DISCIPLINE

(SuspensionRevocation of the Right to Practice Before the SEC regarding SEC Order No1)

20 Respondent has subjected his certificate to disciplinary action under section 5100

subdivisions (h) and (1) ofthe Code in that on or about July 1 2014 he was revoked andor

suspended from appearing or practicing before the Commission in SEC Order No 1 as described

above

SECOND CAUSE FOR DISCIPLINE

(Failure to Report Investigation by the SEC regarding SEC Order No1)

21 Respondent is subject to disciplinary action under Business and Professions Code

sections 5100 subdivision (g) and 5063 subdivision (b)(3) in that Respondent failed to report the

opening or initiation of an investigation of Respondent by the Commission within thirty days of the

date Respondent had knowledge of the investigation which resulted in the SEC Order No 1 as

described above

THIRD CAUSE FOR DISCIPLINE

(Failure to Report SuspensionRevocation of the Right to Practice as Certified Public middot - Accountant before Any GovernmentalAgency regarding SEC Order No1)middot middot - bull middot


sections 5100 subdivision (g) and 5063 subdivision (a)(3) in that Respondent failed to report the

suspension andor revocation ofhis right to practice as a certified public accountant before the

Commission as set forth in the SEC Order No 1 within thirty days of the date Respondent had

knowledge of the suspension andor revocation as described above

FOURTH CAUSE FOR DTSCTPLINE

(Discipline by a Federal Agency RE SEC Order No 1)

23 Respondent has subjected his certificate to disciplinary action under both sections 141

middot of the Code in that on or about July 1 2014 he was disciplined and suspended from appearing or

practicing before the Commission a federal agency as set forth in the SEC Order No 1 as

described above

Ill

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1 FIFTH CAUSE FOR DISCIPLINE

2 (Revocation of the Right to Practice Before the SEC regarding SEC Order No2)

3 24 Respondent has subjected his certificate to disciplinary action under section5100

4 subdivisions (h) and (1) of the Code in that on or about July 22 2016 he was revoked andor


6 above

7 SIXTH CAUSE FOR DISCIPLINE

8 (Discipline by a Federal Agency regarding SEC Order No2)

9 25 Respondent has subjected his certificate to disciplinary action under section 141 ofthe

Code in that on or about July 22 2016 he was disciplined and suspended from appearing or

11 practicing before the Commission a federal agency as set forth in the SEC Order No2 as

12 described above middot

13 DISCIPLINARY CONSIDERATIONS

14 26 To determine the degree of discipline if any to be imposed on Respondent

Complainant alleges that on or about September 23 2015 the New York State Education

16 Department Office of the Professional Discipline State Board of Public Accountancy issued an

17 order granting surrender ofRespondents license to practice as a certified public accountant in the

18 State ofNew York upon his application to surrender in Cal No 28369 Respondent applied for

19 permission to surrender his license to practice as a certified public accountant on the grounds that

he had been charged with professional misconduct for having voluntarily consented to a

21 revocation of his authority td appear or practice as an accountant before the Commission where

22 the conduct charged resulting in the consent to such revocation would if committed in New York

23 State constitute professional misconduct under the laws ofNew York State (audit deficiencies)

24 PRAYER

WHEREFORE Complainant requests that a hearing be held on the matters herein alleged

26 and that following the hearing the California Board of Accountancy issue a decision

27 1 Revoking or suspending restricting limiting or otherwise imposing discipline upon

28 Certified Public Accountant Certificate Number 106687 issued to Nicholas Ralph Bottini

8

middot (NICHOLAS RALPH BOTTINI) ACCUSATION

-1-- ------shy

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1 2 Ordering Nicholas Ralph Bottini to pay the California Board ofAccountancy an

2 administrative penalty pursuant to Business and Professions Code section 5116

3 3 Ordering Nicholas Ralph Bottini to pay the California Board of Accountancy the

4 reasonable costs of investigation and prosecution ofthe case pursuant to Business arid Professions

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Code section 5107 and

4 Taking such other and further action as deemed necessary and proper

DATED ~~~~ t10l ishyf P TTIBO

Executive Officer California Board of Accountancy Department of Consumer Affairs State of California Complainant

SD2016701931 81526571doc

--middot-~ middotmiddotmiddot-middot middot-middot- -----middot- --middot-middot- - --- - middotmiddotmiddot-middotmiddot- -- middot- --middot-- ---- - -- -- - ------middotmiddotmiddotmiddotmiddotmiddotmiddotmiddotmiddot -- middot- -

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--- r----------------------- --------~-----~----~---------~---~---------------------------~--------------------------

Disciplinary Action AC-2017-03- California Board of Accountancy

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XAVIER BECERRA Attorney General ofCalifornia JAMES M LEDAKIS Supervising Deputy Attorney General CARL W SONNE Deputy Attorney General State Bar No 116253

600 West Broadway Suite 1800 San Diego) CA 92 I01 PO Box 85266 Sfm Diego CA 92186~5266 Telephonc (619) 738~9423 Facsimile (619) 645~2061

Attorneysor Complainant

BEFORl~ THE CALIFORNIA BOARD OF ACCOUNTANCY DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS

STATE OF CALIFORNIA

ln the Matter ofthe Accusation Against Case No AC-2017~3

NICHOLAS RALPH BOTTINI 4 Hutton Center Drive Suite 750 Santa Ana CA 92707 STlPULATlpound0 smiddotui~RINDl~R OF

LIC14NSE AND ORllER Certified Public Accountant Certificate No 106687

Respondent

IT IS HEREBY STIPULATED AND AGREED by and between the parties to the above~

entitled proceedings that the following matters are true

PARTIES

l Patti Bowers (Complainant) is the Executive Officer ofthe California Board of

Accomttancy (CBA) She brought this action solely in her official capacity and is represented in

)

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this matter by Xavier Becerra Attorney General of the State of California by Car W Sonne

Deputy Attorney GeneraL

2 Nicholas Ralph Bottini (Respondent) is representing himself in this proceeding and

has chosen not to exercise his right to be represented by counseL

1

Stipulated Summdcr of License (Case No AC~2017-3)

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) 28

-middot~---- -----------shy





JJJRISQigiiQN






ADYISEMBNl AND W~S













CULfAUILITY




acceptance

2



--- ------- --



3 process

4 CQmINGENCX





















25 QER



Ij

28



1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

W

ll

12

I4

15

16

18

19

20

21

23

24

25

26

27

28

















ACCEPTANCE





DATED

Respondent

4


2

3

5

6

7

8

9

lO

11

12

25

26

27

28

ENDORSEMENT






SII1(J1671H931 81588480doc

rshy


1

Exhibit A


)

5

10

15

20

25

1

2

3

4

6

7

8

9

11

12

13

14

i6

17

18

19

21

22

23

24

26

27

28





STATE OF CALIFORNIA




Case No AC-2017-3


Respondent

11-----------------------------~

Complainant alleges

PARTIES







1


5

10

15

20

25

1

2

3

4

6

7

8

9

11

12

13

14

f6

17

18

19

21

22

23

24

26

27

28J

















2


1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28
















3


5

10

15

20

25

1

2

3

4

6

7

8

9

11

12

13

14

l6

17

18

19

21

22

23

24

26

27

) 28


COSTS AND PENALTIES

















Order No 1)






4


1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15 - --------

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

J

1 I

























No2)



5


) 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28






















$25000



Ill

Ill

Ill

Ill

6


-

1

2

3

l 4 I

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

1lt__

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

I 28






above







described above













described above

Ill

7


5

10

15

20

25






6 above


















24 PRAYER





8


-1-- ------shy

5

10

15

20

25

-- -- - ----------





6

7

8

9

11

12

13

14

16

17

18

19

21

22

23

24

26

27

28





SD2016701931 81526571doc


9


--- r----------------------- --------~-----~----~---------~---~---------------------------~--------------------------


5

10

15

20

25

I

I I ~

l

2

3

4

6

7

8

9

11

12

l3

14

16

17

18

19

21

22

23

24

26

27

) 28

-middot~---- -----------shy





JJJRISQigiiQN






ADYISEMBNl AND W~S













CULfAUILITY




acceptance

2



--- ------- --



3 process

4 CQmINGENCX





















25 QER



Ij

28



1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

W

ll

12

I4

15

16

18

19

20

21

23

24

25

26

27

28

















ACCEPTANCE





DATED

Respondent

4


2

3

5

6

7

8

9

lO

11

12

25

26

27

28

ENDORSEMENT






SII1(J1671H931 81588480doc

rshy


1

Exhibit A


)

5

10

15

20

25

1

2

3

4

6

7

8

9

11

12

13

14

i6

17

18

19

21

22

23

24

26

27

28





STATE OF CALIFORNIA




Case No AC-2017-3


Respondent

11-----------------------------~

Complainant alleges

PARTIES







1


5

10

15

20

25

1

2

3

4

6

7

8

9

11

12

13

14

f6

17

18

19

21

22

23

24

26

27

28J

















2


1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28
















3


5

10

15

20

25

1

2

3

4

6

7

8

9

11

12

13

14

l6

17

18

19

21

22

23

24

26

27

) 28


COSTS AND PENALTIES

















Order No 1)






4


1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15 - --------

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

J

1 I

























No2)



5


) 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28






















$25000



Ill

Ill

Ill

Ill

6


-

1

2

3

l 4 I

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

1lt__

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

I 28






above







described above













described above

Ill

7


5

10

15

20

25






6 above


















24 PRAYER





8


-1-- ------shy

5

10

15

20

25

-- -- - ----------





6

7

8

9

11

12

13

14

16

17

18

19

21

22

23

24

26

27

28





SD2016701931 81526571doc


9


--- r----------------------- --------~-----~----~---------~---~---------------------------~--------------------------


--- ------- --



3 process

4 CQmINGENCX





















25 QER



Ij

28



1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

W

ll

12

I4

15

16

18

19

20

21

23

24

25

26

27

28

















ACCEPTANCE





DATED

Respondent

4


2

3

5

6

7

8

9

lO

11

12

25

26

27

28

ENDORSEMENT






SII1(J1671H931 81588480doc

rshy


1

Exhibit A


)

5

10

15

20

25

1

2

3

4

6

7

8

9

11

12

13

14

i6

17

18

19

21

22

23

24

26

27

28





STATE OF CALIFORNIA




Case No AC-2017-3


Respondent

11-----------------------------~

Complainant alleges

PARTIES







1


5

10

15

20

25

1

2

3

4

6

7

8

9

11

12

13

14

f6

17

18

19

21

22

23

24

26

27

28J

















2


1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28
















3


5

10

15

20

25

1

2

3

4

6

7

8

9

11

12

13

14

l6

17

18

19

21

22

23

24

26

27

) 28


COSTS AND PENALTIES

















Order No 1)






4


1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15 - --------

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

J

1 I

























No2)



5


) 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28






















$25000



Ill

Ill

Ill

Ill

6


-

1

2

3

l 4 I

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

1lt__

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

I 28






above







described above













described above

Ill

7


5

10

15

20

25






6 above


















24 PRAYER





8


-1-- ------shy

5

10

15

20

25

-- -- - ----------





6

7

8

9

11

12

13

14

16

17

18

19

21

22

23

24

26

27

28





SD2016701931 81526571doc


9


--- r----------------------- --------~-----~----~---------~---~---------------------------~--------------------------


1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

W

ll

12

I4

15

16

18

19

20

21

23

24

25

26

27

28

















ACCEPTANCE





DATED

Respondent

4


2

3

5

6

7

8

9

lO

11

12

25

26

27

28

ENDORSEMENT






SII1(J1671H931 81588480doc

rshy


1

Exhibit A


)

5

10

15

20

25

1

2

3

4

6

7

8

9

11

12

13

14

i6

17

18

19

21

22

23

24

26

27

28





STATE OF CALIFORNIA




Case No AC-2017-3


Respondent

11-----------------------------~

Complainant alleges

PARTIES







1


5

10

15

20

25

1

2

3

4

6

7

8

9

11

12

13

14

f6

17

18

19

21

22

23

24

26

27

28J

















2


1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28
















3


5

10

15

20

25

1

2

3

4

6

7

8

9

11

12

13

14

l6

17

18

19

21

22

23

24

26

27

) 28


COSTS AND PENALTIES

















Order No 1)






4


1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15 - --------

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

J

1 I

























No2)



5


) 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28






















$25000



Ill

Ill

Ill

Ill

6


-

1

2

3

l 4 I

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

1lt__

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

I 28






above







described above













described above

Ill

7


5

10

15

20

25






6 above


















24 PRAYER





8


-1-- ------shy

5

10

15

20

25

-- -- - ----------





6

7

8

9

11

12

13

14

16

17

18

19

21

22

23

24

26

27

28





SD2016701931 81526571doc


9


--- r----------------------- --------~-----~----~---------~---~---------------------------~--------------------------


2

3

5

6

7

8

9

lO

11

12

25

26

27

28

ENDORSEMENT






SII1(J1671H931 81588480doc

rshy


1

Exhibit A


)

5

10

15

20

25

1

2

3

4

6

7

8

9

11

12

13

14

i6

17

18

19

21

22

23

24

26

27

28





STATE OF CALIFORNIA




Case No AC-2017-3


Respondent

11-----------------------------~

Complainant alleges

PARTIES







1


5

10

15

20

25

1

2

3

4

6

7

8

9

11

12

13

14

f6

17

18

19

21

22

23

24

26

27

28J

















2


1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28
















3


5

10

15

20

25

1

2

3

4

6

7

8

9

11

12

13

14

l6

17

18

19

21

22

23

24

26

27

) 28


COSTS AND PENALTIES

















Order No 1)






4


1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15 - --------

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

J

1 I

























No2)



5


) 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28






















$25000



Ill

Ill

Ill

Ill

6


-

1

2

3

l 4 I

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

1lt__

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

I 28






above







described above













described above

Ill

7


5

10

15

20

25






6 above


















24 PRAYER





8


-1-- ------shy

5

10

15

20

25

-- -- - ----------





6

7

8

9

11

12

13

14

16

17

18

19

21

22

23

24

26

27

28





SD2016701931 81526571doc


9


--- r----------------------- --------~-----~----~---------~---~---------------------------~--------------------------


1

Exhibit A


)

5

10

15

20

25

1

2

3

4

6

7

8

9

11

12

13

14

i6

17

18

19

21

22

23

24

26

27

28





STATE OF CALIFORNIA




Case No AC-2017-3


Respondent

11-----------------------------~

Complainant alleges

PARTIES







1


5

10

15

20

25

1

2

3

4

6

7

8

9

11

12

13

14

f6

17

18

19

21

22

23

24

26

27

28J

















2


1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28
















3


5

10

15

20

25

1

2

3

4

6

7

8

9

11

12

13

14

l6

17

18

19

21

22

23

24

26

27

) 28


COSTS AND PENALTIES

















Order No 1)






4


1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15 - --------

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

J

1 I

























No2)



5


) 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28






















$25000



Ill

Ill

Ill

Ill

6


-

1

2

3

l 4 I

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

1lt__

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

I 28






above







described above













described above

Ill

7


5

10

15

20

25






6 above


















24 PRAYER





8


-1-- ------shy

5

10

15

20

25

-- -- - ----------





6

7

8

9

11

12

13

14

16

17

18

19

21

22

23

24

26

27

28





SD2016701931 81526571doc


9


--- r----------------------- --------~-----~----~---------~---~---------------------------~--------------------------


5

10

15

20

25

1

2

3

4

6

7

8

9

11

12

13

14

i6

17

18

19

21

22

23

24

26

27

28





STATE OF CALIFORNIA




Case No AC-2017-3


Respondent

11-----------------------------~

Complainant alleges

PARTIES







1


5

10

15

20

25

1

2

3

4

6

7

8

9

11

12

13

14

f6

17

18

19

21

22

23

24

26

27

28J

















2


1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28
















3


5

10

15

20

25

1

2

3

4

6

7

8

9

11

12

13

14

l6

17

18

19

21

22

23

24

26

27

) 28


COSTS AND PENALTIES

















Order No 1)






4


1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15 - --------

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

J

1 I

























No2)



5


) 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28






















$25000



Ill

Ill

Ill

Ill

6


-

1

2

3

l 4 I

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

1lt__

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

I 28






above







described above













described above

Ill

7


5

10

15

20

25






6 above


















24 PRAYER





8


-1-- ------shy

5

10

15

20

25

-- -- - ----------





6

7

8

9

11

12

13

14

16

17

18

19

21

22

23

24

26

27

28





SD2016701931 81526571doc


9


--- r----------------------- --------~-----~----~---------~---~---------------------------~--------------------------


5

10

15

20

25

1

2

3

4

6

7

8

9

11

12

13

14

f6

17

18

19

21

22

23

24

26

27

28J

















2


1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28
















3


5

10

15

20

25

1

2

3

4

6

7

8

9

11

12

13

14

l6

17

18

19

21

22

23

24

26

27

) 28


COSTS AND PENALTIES

















Order No 1)






4


1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15 - --------

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

J

1 I

























No2)



5


) 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28






















$25000



Ill

Ill

Ill

Ill

6


-

1

2

3

l 4 I

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

1lt__

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

I 28






above







described above













described above

Ill

7


5

10

15

20

25






6 above


















24 PRAYER





8


-1-- ------shy

5

10

15

20

25

-- -- - ----------





6

7

8

9

11

12

13

14

16

17

18

19

21

22

23

24

26

27

28





SD2016701931 81526571doc


9


--- r----------------------- --------~-----~----~---------~---~---------------------------~--------------------------


1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28
















3


5

10

15

20

25

1

2

3

4

6

7

8

9

11

12

13

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18

19

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23

24

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COSTS AND PENALTIES

















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1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

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16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

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4

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6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28






















$25000



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2

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6

7

8

9

10

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20

21

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7

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9

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23

24

26

27

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9


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10

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COSTS AND PENALTIES

















Order No 1)






4


1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

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19

20

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22

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25

26

27

28

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17

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19

20

21

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23

24

25

26

27

28






















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23

24

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SD2016701931 81526571doc


9


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disciplinary action ac-2017-03- california board of … 1. patti bowers (complainant) brings this...

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