A Roswell man who formerly headed investor relations for a major children's clothing company was indicted on conspiracy, securities and wire fraud in multi-state insider trading schemes.

Eric M. Martin, 42, of Roswell, former head of investor relations for Carter’s Inc., was charged by a federal grand jury today in connection with multi-year, multi-state insider trading schemes primarily involving Carter’s stock.

The indictment alleges that, during Martin’s employment with Carter’s between 2005 and 2009, he traded in Carter’s stock based on material, non-public information about the company’s quarterly and annual financial results. It claims he tipped a former Wall Street analyst about this and other non-public information in advance of Carter’s public announcement of the information.

The indictment charges Martin with one count of conspiracy, and with multiple counts of securities fraud and wire fraud. The conspiracy and securities fraud charges against Martin each carry a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.  The wire fraud charges each carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. 

 This case is being investigated by Special Agents of the FBI. The Atlanta Regional Office of the SEC has conducted a separate investigation of possible civil violations of the U.S. securities laws, and on Aug. 22, the SEC filed a civil enforcement action against Martin for insider trading.  That case remains pending.