CEO of Durham Foundation, CJF America found guilty of worthless check charge

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- New developments tonight in the Troubleshooter investigation into CJF America, which is accused of failing to pay employees. The CEO of CJF America, Kristin Picot, was found guilty of one count of simple worthless check in a Durham courtroom. However, in a split verdict, a judge found her not guilty on two other counts, and a fourth charge was dismissed.

In court, a judge found Picot guilty on one count of simple worthless check related to former summer camp counselor Briana Thompson. Thompson testified she worked as a counselor during CJF America's summer camp in Durham and was paid with a check that could not be cashed. The paycheck totaled $1,101.75.

"Overwhelmed. I didn't expect everything to go how it played out, but I'm glad the judge looked at it in my favor," Thompson said after the hearing. "I'm glad that I get to get something instead of nothing."

As part of the conviction, the judge ordered Picot to pay Thompson $1,101.75 in restitution - the full amount of the paycheck.

Not Guilty on Other Charges

Picot faced four counts of simple worthless checks in total. While she was convicted in Thompson's case, the judge found her not guilty on two charges tied to former employee Crystal Graves. A fourth charge was dropped because the alleged victim was not present in court.

Graves had previously told ABC11 she also received a paycheck that the bank returned due to insufficient funds. However, in court, neither Graves nor the state presented that check as evidence.

When asked about the split verdict, the judge said the decision came down to the evidence presented in each case.

Picot's attorney argued that her name was not on Thompson's check - instead, it listed CJF America's CFO. He also argued Picot did not know there were insufficient funds in the organization's account.

After court, Picot declined to comment. Her attorney, John Fitzpatrick, said they plan to appeal.

"Right now, she has nothing to say at this point except that we are filing a motion to appeal in this matter, which means it vacates this judgment," Fitzpatrick said. "Because of that, we get to re-have, retrial, if you will, in superior court."

Thompson said she plans to continue fighting if the case moves forward.

The legal troubles for CJF America extend beyond this case. The organization's founder, Courtney Jordan, and its CFO are also facing criminal charges of felony conspiracy and obtaining property under false pretenses. Those warrants remain unserved.

In addition to the criminal cases, the North Carolina Department of Labor is investigating the foundation after receiving more than 30 complaints from former employees about pay issues. A department representative said they could not provide an update because the investigation is ongoing.

ABC11 has reached out to CJF America for comment for months, but has not received a response.