Durham police have charged two people in connection with a fraud investigation involving the Courtney Jordan Foundation.
Nicholas Gallardo, the company's CFO, and Courtney Jordan, the company's founder, are charged with obtaining property by false pretenses and felony conspiracy in connection with the foundation, also known as CJF America. Arrest warrants have been issued and the two are not in custody.
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WRAL Investigates has reported extensively on the Durham-based company that is accused of not paying employees of its summer camps. WRAL Investigates also reported on the lawsuit that was filed against the company and its executives, and Jordan, a self-professed billionaire whose online presence is filled with claims that do not add up.
WRAL Investigates also reported on testimonials on CJF America's website that were purported to be written by high-profile individuals, yet those individuals say the testimonials are not real.
WRAL Investigates first learned in July that the Durham Police Department and the Department of Labor had launched investigations into CJF America based on complaints that employees were not paid.
Durham police said Wednesday that the charges filed against Jordan and Gallardo stemmed from a complaint related to receiving a large amount in cash in documented payments for what was described as an investment fund.
After the complainant determined the fund was not being operated as agreed upon, a request was made for the funds to be returned. Gallardo provided a check which was returned for insufficient funds, police said.
Investigators found the foundation was associated with similar false investment funds and unpaid obligations.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Investigator B. Crabtree at 919-560-4440 ext. 29342 or CrimeStoppers at (919) 683-1200 or online at www.durhamcrimestoppers.org.
Former employees react to charges
Crystal Graves was the first former CJF American employee to contact WRAL Investigates in July. She said she worked at summer camps for CJF America and was never paid.
"I'm just overwhelmed. I'm just so happy. I really am. So many lives have been affected by this," Graves said Wednesday after learning of the charges. "This is justice and I'm just happy. Very very happy. I don't want this to happen to no one else."
Cherisse Collins, a former CJF America employee who lives in Franklin County, said the news was "overwhelming." She said she was "overjoyed" for herself and others who were impacted by CJF America.
"This moment brings a sense of validation and justice that...what we endured mattered, and that those responsible are being held accountable," Collins said. "It doesn't erase the hardship we face, but it is a powerful first step toward healing and closure."
A civil lawsuit filed against CJF America and its executives last month remains unserved as officials cannot find them.
Previous coverage
Seven former employees sue, claim Durham-based nonprofit owes them thousands
Where do criminal investigations into CJF America stand?
WRAL Investigates tracks down CFO of Durham-based nonprofit accused of not paying employees
Unpaid workers, lawsuit filed: A closer look at CJF America and the man accused, Courtney Jordan