CJF America leaders face new felony charges after Person County chase, crash

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- The leaders of a Durham nonprofit already at the center of an ABC11 I-Team Troubleshooter investigation are now facing new felony charges following a high-speed chase in Person County.

According to the Person County Sheriff's Office, deputies attempted to stop a vehicle Sunday carrying Courtney Jordan and Nick Gallardo, leaders of the Courtney Jordan Foundation (CJF America). Sheriff Jason Wilborn said the pursuit ended in a crash, sending both men to Duke Hospital with injuries.

Wilborn told ABC11 that deputies obtained felony warrants after the crash. However, when authorities returned to the hospital to take Jordan and Gallardo into custody, neither man was there.

Active felony warrants have now been issued in Person County, including felony fleeing to elude arrest.

Both men are also wanted on previously issued warrants in Durham County.

Previous Troubleshooter Investigations:

The new charges come after months of an I-Team Troubleshooter investigation into CJF America.

ABC11 has reported allegations from dozens of former employees who claimed they were never paid for their work with the Durham-based foundation.

Workers told the Troubleshooter they were promised paychecks that never arrived, leaving some struggling to pay rent, utilities and other bills.

ABC11 also uncovered lawsuits and complaints filed against the organization as former employees sought unpaid wages.

In September, Durham police charged Jordan and Gallardo with obtaining property by false pretenses and conspiracy in connection with the foundation's operations.

In February, CJF CEO Kristin Picott was found guilty of a worthless check charge.