Person County, N.C. – On Monday, Courtney Jordan, the founder of the nonprofit CJF America, and the organization’s chief financial officer, Nicholas Gallardo, appeared before the Person County District Court for their initial hearings. Law enforcement officials allege the two led officers on a high‑speed chase in late July.

Charges filed

Jordan is charged with fleeing to elude arrest, possession with intent to sell or deliver a controlled substance, two counts of injury to personal property and second‑degree trespassing. The arrest warrant states he was found with 51 dosage units of oxycodone hydrochloride.

Gallardo faces a charge of possession of a controlled substance – buprenorphine hydrochloride – and second‑degree trespassing.

Nonprofit’s response

During the hearing, former CJF America president Kristen Picot attended to support the defendants. When asked about unpaid wages claimed by former employees, Picot said the organization is “working through it” but could not provide a timeline for payment.

In a prior interview with WRAL, Jordan said a recent restructuring revealed mismanagement and that some individuals featured in media reports were not official employees, lacking formal contracts with CJF America.

Background of the case

WRAL Investigates has previously reported that former CJF America workers allege they were never paid or received fraudulent checks. The criminal fraud case in Durham County remains separate from the Person County charges stemming from the July car chase.

Both Jordan and Gallardo are scheduled to return to Person County court in October for further proceedings.

Community impact

The case has drawn attention from local residents who rely on nonprofit services and from former staff seeking compensation. The pending court dates will determine whether additional legal actions, such as civil suits for unpaid wages, will proceed.

Original reporting: WRAL Raleigh — read the source article.