WRAL Investigates has done more than a dozen stories on Durham-based CJF America and its executives, who face accusations and in some cases criminal charges, for allegedly of not paying employees.
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Now, WRAL Investigates is speaking with a man who says he gave the company's founder Courtney Jordan and chief financial officer Nicholas Gallardo roughly $200,000 -- and fears that money is gone forever.
The man asked to speak on the condition of anonymity, out of fear for his safety.
He said he gave payments to the two men over the course of years, and was told the money would be invested and grown. He then started seeing WRAL's stories this summer, and says he asked the men for his money back. He told WRAL Investigates he keeps getting the runaround and has not received a dime.
"This has been so devastating to me," the man said. "I’m not exaggerating when I say this is probably the worst thing that has happened to me in my life.
"It has been just devastating in every area imaginable. It’s not just about losing money. I don’t want people to think that it’s just about losing money. They take your life because you have plans. Plans to progress with this money. Things to do. People have medical bills and real-life situations."
The man described himself as "self-made," and said he worked hard, forgoing vacations, because he wanted to ensure he had enough money for retirement.
"I have nothing to really show for the last few years of my life because of this mess," he said. "It’s been very hard on my mental. Some days it’s hard to wake up."
Like others WRAL Investigates has spoken with, the man described Jordan as "very convincing," which made him feel comfortable entrusting him with his money.
WRAL Investigates attempted to contact Jordan, Gallardo and CJF America about these claims and has not yet heard back.
The man's situation is very similar to the one Durham police described when they announced felony conspiracy and obtaining property by false pretense charges against Jordan and Gallardo in September. The men remain wanted by Durham Police, with active warrants that are unserved.
The man is unsure if the charges stem from his situation or someone else's.
WRAL Investigates spoke with another woman, who did not want to do a recorded interview, but told WRAL she gave the men $30,000 and was told her money would be invested and grown. She, too, says she has not been able to get her money back despite repeated attempts.
As WRAL Investigates has reported, CJF America and its executives are facing a number of legal actions, including a lawsuit filed by seven former employees from multiple states who say they were not paid for work on summer camps.
CJF America President Kristen Picot is facing charges for writing worthless checks to employees, although she has missed her last two court dates. WRAL Investigates also reported on false testimonials posted on the company's website, which purport to be from well-known elected officials.
In total, WRAL Investigates has heard from more than 20 people who say they are owed a combined amount that exceeds $500,000.
WRAL Investigates has tried repeatedly to interview executives of CJF America, but they have not responded to our calls or emails to arrange a meeting.