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SeaWorld Likely to Face SEC Claims Over Misleading Investors

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Killler Whale Calf At SeaWorld San Diego

Photographer: Mike Aguilera/SeaWorld San Diego via Getty Images 

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SeaWorld Entertainment Inc. will probably face civil charges that it violated securities laws several years ago, when the company was dealing with scrutiny over its treatment of captive killer whales.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission sent a Wells notice to the Orlando, Florida-based theme-park operator on April 6 regarding “certain disclosures and public statements made by the company and certain individuals on or before August 2014,” according to a filing Thursday. The Justice Department is also investigating, SeaWorld said last June.