Thomas M. Melton

Tom Melton has been a trial lawyer for over 30 years, specializing in complex commercial litigation involving corporate fraud. Mr. Melton was a senior trial counsel for the United States Securities and Exchange Commission for over 20 years, handling securities fraud litigation in federal and administrative courts. During his time at the SEC, he litigated numerous cases involving ex parte temporary restraining orders and preliminary injunctions. These cases often involved the court appointment of equity receivers, assisting courts and federal agencies in winding down fraudulent enterprises and recovering assets for victims. Mr. Melton worked extensively with court-appointed receivers to return hundreds of millions of dollars to defrauded investors.

In addition to prosecuting Ponzi schemes, Mr. Melton also handled complex cases of financial accounting fraud, investor privacy issues, and the First Amendment. As lead counsel in these matters, Mr. Melton marshaled evidence and witnesses, drafted, and argued pretrial motions and delivered opening and closing statements. He has taken numerous depositions in foreign countries including Switzerland, Canada, and the U.K.

Mr. Melton also previously served as attorney and Division Director for the Utah Attorney General for eight years, where he handled legal matters involving important policy issues. Mr. Melton was a member of the bankruptcy group representing states in the Purdue bankruptcy, one of the largest and most complex bankruptcies in the United States. He also assisted in negotiating and settling large cases involving opioids manufacturers, distributors, and consultants. In addition, he represented Utah’s interests in the Volkswagen emission fraud case and worked with other states in complex multistate litigation against companies that harmed Utah citizens. He has partnered with federal agencies such as the Commodities Futures Trading Commission and the Federal Trade Commission to take emergency action to stop consumer and investor fraud.

Mr. Melton has been awarded an AV rating, the highest recognition, by Martindale-Hubbell. He has also been recognized by Utah Business Magazine as one of the legal elite for several years. He is a frequent panelist on securities and litigation matters. Mr. Melton is admitted to the Utah and Montana state bars.