Federal prosecutors have charged prominent short seller Andrew Left with multiple counts of securities fraud, accusing him of manipulating stock prices to net at least $16 million. The SEC has also filed charges, alleging a $20 million multi-year scheme where Left's firm, Citron Research, published false and misleading statements about stock trading recommendations. Left is accused of using his influence through social media and television to affect stock prices, then reversing his positions to profit from the movements, allegedly misleading followers and concealing ties to hedge funds. If convicted, Left faces significant prison time and hefty penalties. Left has declined to comment on the charges.