KENNEBUNK — The Maine Office of Securities is seeking the public’s help locating a Kennebunk man who has been indicted for allegedly defrauding over a dozen people in York and Waldo counties out of over $500,000.

Robert J. Howarth, 61, of Kennebunk allegedly posed as an investor and approached 17 people in Waldo County, and a couple in York County, with an opportunity to invest in a supposed clothing business that operated overseas.

However, Maine Securities Administrator Judith Shaw said in a press release that the investment appears to be a scam, and that the $500,000 principal was, according to both indictments, “diverted to personal use.” Howarth has also used the aliases Robert Chiofolo, Robert Kim Lee, and Robert Sachs, and he lived in Kennebunk for about a year, according to the Maine Attorney General’s office.

“This is one of the bigger cases (of fraud) since I’ve been here,” Assistant Attorney General Carrie L. Carney said.

In March, Howarth was indicted by a grand jury in York County on class B theft by deception and Class C securities fraud. In May, Howarth was indicted on similar charges in Waldo County, and warrants for his arrest have been issued in both counties, but so far he hasn’t been found.

The AG’s Office says anyone who knows where Howarth can be found should contact Maine Office of Securities investigator Jim Frechette at either 624-8551 or 877-624-8551.