911 tape: Accused Kirkland broker attempted suicide
KIRKLAND, Wash. -- A tape of a 911 call reveals Kirkland broker and financial adviser Rhonda Breard tried to commit suicide amid allegations by her clients whose investments haven't been accounted for.
In the tape of the call obtained by KOMO News, a man who identifies himself as Breard's boyfriend is heard telling the operator he found Breard in the bathroom.
"Looks like she attempted to slash her wrists," the man told the 911 dispatcher. "She's laying on the floor. I need help."
The alleged suicide attempt took place around the same time Breard abruptly shuttered her office after learning she was being dumped by ING Financial Services.
State investigators now say more than 20 investors have told them they've lost nearly $7 million total after investing with Breard.
Client Gordon Overbye lost $856,000 after handing it over to Breard.
"This is my retirement. This is all off my retirement," he said.
Overbye's statements said his money was invested. Breard told him the same. But when he checked with ING Financial Services - the firm Breard used to run her transactions, he got a puzzling answer. The bank found the account with the number Overbye provided, but said his name wasn't on the account.
"It's like, how is there...it's staggering to me," said Overbye. "I trusted her. I trusted her."
ING has accused Breard of "altering customer statements, "according to state officials. Preliminary findings based on transaction dates indicate funds belonging to Breard's clients began disappearing as early as 2005, they said.
"I'd be out cold if something happened to me and I don't get any of this money back," said Overbye.
Overbye said he isn't ready to pass judgment; he simply wants someone to make things right. His future depends on it.
In the tape of the call obtained by KOMO News, a man who identifies himself as Breard's boyfriend is heard telling the operator he found Breard in the bathroom.
"Looks like she attempted to slash her wrists," the man told the 911 dispatcher. "She's laying on the floor. I need help."
The alleged suicide attempt took place around the same time Breard abruptly shuttered her office after learning she was being dumped by ING Financial Services.
State investigators now say more than 20 investors have told them they've lost nearly $7 million total after investing with Breard.
Client Gordon Overbye lost $856,000 after handing it over to Breard.
"This is my retirement. This is all off my retirement," he said.
Overbye's statements said his money was invested. Breard told him the same. But when he checked with ING Financial Services - the firm Breard used to run her transactions, he got a puzzling answer. The bank found the account with the number Overbye provided, but said his name wasn't on the account.
"It's like, how is there...it's staggering to me," said Overbye. "I trusted her. I trusted her."
ING has accused Breard of "altering customer statements, "according to state officials. Preliminary findings based on transaction dates indicate funds belonging to Breard's clients began disappearing as early as 2005, they said.
"I'd be out cold if something happened to me and I don't get any of this money back," said Overbye.
Overbye said he isn't ready to pass judgment; he simply wants someone to make things right. His future depends on it.