Montague, a Gloucester County native with a long history of community involvement, remains under investigation by the FBI for allegations that include theft, according to his lawyer, John Waldron.
Diehl and at least five others - including a widow who invested her life savings and a man with Alzheimer's disease - are seeking a total of $1 million in damages through arbitration with Questar Capital Corp., for which Montague was a registered representative.
Tom Danks, 64, of Mullica Hill, was dying of kidney cancer when, family members say, the broker took $80,000 for a speculative private investment. The money vanished without a trace, they say.
"He preys on the weak," said Don Seiple, Danks' brother-in-law, of Pilesgrove in Salem County.
The complaint by Montague's clients was filed with the independent Financial Industry Regulatory Authority by lawyer Jacob Zamansky, who provided a redacted version to The Inquirer.
Montague has had a gambling addiction, his lawyer said.
"It's still illegal" to take client money, Waldron said. "But he's addressing that addiction and has been addressing it ever since these allegations came to light."
Montague is cooperating with the FBI and working to identify which clients were missing money and how much, Waldron said.
He has been involved with Gamblers Anonymous, and he is trying to get his finances in order to repay any debts, Waldron said.
Montague, a Gloucester Catholic High School graduate who lives in West Deptford, was active in the region. He coached Little League and girls basketball at West Deptford High School, and raised money to make sure that the girls' teams had uniforms and equipment.
