Even people that didn't know Steve well knew that he was a shady character. His abusive marriage and his drinking were no secret.
As far as his trading goes, unfortunately it's not illegal to be a persistent salesman. If you hand your money over to someone like him, you are obviously putting your money at serious risk the minute you open your check book. Buying a used car or new windows for your house can pose the same risks.
Still, accidents can just as easily happen to good or bad husbands. (i.e. Marcus Schrenker) I hope he turns up one way or another so that his wife and child can at least have some closure.