Investor Targeted in Probe of Leaks Denies Breaking Laws

Stephen Rasinski, an Orange County investor under investigation for stock trading allegedly linked to pre-publication leaks of information contained in a Business Week magazine column, said Friday through his attorney that he “has violated no state or federal laws.”

Rasinski, a Corona Del Mar resident who operates a Tustin firm, Bretna Enterprises, is being investigated for buying stocks mentioned in the column on Thursdays, the day before the magazine hit the newsstands, according to sources familiar with the investigation.

Sources said Rasinski maintained accounts at Prudential-Bache Securities, Drexel Burnham Lambert, and Smith Barney, Harris Upham & Co. It is not known if Rasinski was in communication with others being investigated in connection with the Business Week leaks.

Don Buchwald, the attorney, said Rasinski “would have no public comment while the matter is under investigation.” The investor is on a previously scheduled vacation with his family, Buchwald said.