LAWRENCE — Kansas Securities Commissioner Josh Ney announced Thursday in a news release criminal charges were being filed against Family Homes Inc. and Roderic (Rod) E. Deines, Lawrence.

Deines was charged with 11 felony counts for violating the Kansas Uniform Securities Act, including allegations of securities fraud and the selling of unregistered securities. The criminal complaint alleges that Deines committed securities fraud by unlawfully employing a scheme to defraud at least three Kansas residents by offering and selling unregistered securities in his business, Family Homes Inc., which he claimed was a house-flipping business that could produce extraordinary investment returns.

All three investors are from Russell, where Deines has had previous residence. The complaint alleges that the funds given to Deines by investors were primarily used for his personal expenses and to pay other investors. Victim losses total more than $170,000.

Chris Mann, senior staff attorney for the Kansas Securities Commissioner, urges anyone with information to contact the agency.

“If you have been approached by this individual regarding investing in Family Homes, please contact the Office of the Kansas Securities Commissioner at (785) 296-3307,” Mann said.