The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission charged a Wall Street trader with securities fraud and market manipulation for allegedly spreading false rumors about The Blackstone Group’s acquisition of Alliance Data Systems (ADS) while selling ADS short.

The SEC alleges that five months ago Paul Berliner, a Wall Street trader formerly associated with Schottenfeld Group LLC, disseminated the false rumour through instant messages to numerous individuals, including traders at brokerage firms and hedge funds. The rumour also was picked up by the media, it notes. Heavy trading in ADS stock ensued, and it fell by as much as 17%. The SEC claims that Berliner profited by short selling ADS stock during its precipitous decline.

Without admitting or denying the allegations in the SEC’s complaint, Berliner agreed to settle the charges against him by consenting to the entry of a final judgment enjoining him from future violations of the anti-fraud and anti-manipulation provisions of the federal securities laws, and requiring him to disgorge US$26,129 in profits and interest, pay a maximum third-tier penalty of US$130,000, and consent to the entry of an order barring him from association with any broker or dealer.

“The message of this case is simple and direct. The commission will vigorously investigate and prosecute those who manipulate markets with this witch’s brew of damaging rumors and short sales,” said SEC chairman Christopher Cox.