Camp counselor for CJF America finally gets a paycheck as others wait and wonder

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- New details in an ITEAM investigation into a Durham foundation accused of not paying its employees.

After weeks of promises, at least one employee of CJF America got a new check for some of the money he says he's owed. That employee is Ethan McRay, he says, "I was very shocked. I never thought I was going to see the money." It's money, McRay says, that he is owed for working for the Courtney Jordan Foundation. Despite getting this check for $577, he says CJF still owes him $1,300 for his work.

This all started in June when McRay says the CJF hired him to work as a camp counselor at their camp in Raleigh. After weeks of working, he got his first paycheck, but after cashing it, it bounced. McRay is not alone, as we've reported on more than a dozen CJF employees who either received paychecks that bounced or, in some cases, claim they never received payment.

In August, when Troubleshooter Diane Wilson asked the president of CJF, she said they were working on getting employees paid. Weeks went by, and no checks arrived, but some camp counselors, like McRay, did receive an email from CJF's CFO stating that they were sending payments via certified mail. A few days ago, at McRay's house, he says, "The mail lady comes up and was like, I need you to sign up for this. Here's your money."

Meanwhile, there are active warrants for CJF founder Courtney Jordan and Chief Financial Officer Nicholas Gallardo.

Durham police say they are considered wanted. Both are charged with allegedly obtaining property by false pretenses and felony conspiracy in connection with fraudulent activity. Investigators say this is still an active investigation, and as of this report, they have not been arrested.

As for McRay, he says he's hoping other CJF employees get the money they're owed. "It's just a lot of families are going through a lot of hardship because of CJF America, and people quit their jobs for this and don't have anything now, and it's really sad what they did to the community," he adds.

We've reached out to the Courtney Jordan Foundation for comment numerous times, but there has still been no response. The NC Department of Labor says its investigation is still open.

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