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Ritossa Matthias Knab, Opalesque for New Managers:

Anthony Ritossa is trying to make a comeback in the family office conference space, but who is he working with? Spoiler: It's not a group you'd want to trust with your investments.

So, who is Ritossa, who seems to have dropped his fake "Sir" title, bringing along for the ride? A closer look reveals a cast of characters with questionable backgrounds, legal troubles, and a history of deception. Here's what you need to know about the people Ritossa is now associated with:

1. Norman Martin: The Convicted Felon

Norman Martin, who has been working with Ritossa since at least 2017, is a convicted felon with a history of stock fraud. Martin was jailed in the 1990s for his involvement in a stock fraud scheme and has been working as a sponsor business developer for Ritossa.

Norman Martin's last name is Lescht, he goes by his first and middle name only to throw people off on his criminal past. Key points about Martin include:

• Criminal Past: Martin was indicted in the 1990s for stock fraud - "the largest single set of arrests ever made in the securities industry" (WSJ, Oct. 11, 1996) and has a history of deceptive practices:
  • https://files.brokercheck.finra.org/individual/individual_1164306.pdf

  • https://www.upi.com/Archives/1998/04/15/UPI-Focus-Stock-fraud-charge-for-radio-show-host/6165892612800/

  • https://www.nytimes.com/1997/04/10/business/18-indictments-in-fbi-stock-sting.html

  • and https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB844989786530384500

• Questionable Character: Martin once posted Dominick Lucci's driver's license on LinkedIn, showcasing a lack of professionalism and ethical boundaries.

• Sponsorship Role: Trusted sources report having recently received calls from Norman Martin "trying to pitch the Ritossa Miami conference".

Martin's involvement in Ritossa's comeback attempt further tarnishes the credibility of the event and raises concerns about the kind of individuals Ritossa is willing to associate with.

2. Cal Evans: The "Master of Ceremonies"

Cal Evans, who is set to be the Master of Ceremonies at Ritossa's upcoming Miami investor event, is is due to appear in court via Zoom in a defamation lawsuit against Jonathan Dunsmoor and his former firm in Wisconsin at the same time as the conference. (24-CV-1848).

Why This Matters

Ritossa's attempt to re-enter the family office and investor conference space is concerning, not only because his own (see the landmark investigation by Vanity Fair: "Inside Wealth-Conference Con Man Anthony Ritossa's Wild Web of Lies") but also the questionable backgrounds of the individuals he is working with.

Investors and attendees should be wary of events organized by individuals with a history of deception, fraud, and legal troubles. The involvement of figures like Norman Martin raises serious red flags about the credibility and legitimacy of Ritossa's comeback and the types of investments promoted at his conferences.

If In Doubt, Stay Out

So, Anthony Ritossa's comeback attempt is not just about him - it's about the people he's bringing along.

Investors and attendees should proceed with caution and thoroughly vet the individuals behind such events before getting involved.

UPDATE (Feb 11th 2025): Cal Evans, who was announced to be Master of Ceremonies at Ritossa's upcoming Miami conference informed me that "after speaking with my team and some other folks I have decided it would not be appropriate for me to MC this event. I wanted to thank you for bringing the VF article (https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2022/10/inside-wealth-conference-con-man-anthony-ritossas-wild-web-of-lie) to my attention."