CJF America Founder Wanted After High-Speed Person County Chase Crash

A Durham nonprofit founder and his chief financial officer are again wanted after a high-speed chase crossed three North Carolina counties and ended with their SUV crashing last Sunday. Courtney Jordan and Nicholas Gallardo were injured, taken to Duke University Hospital, and then left before officers could detain them.

According to WRAL, the pursuit began when a Person County deputy responding to an alarm at Helena Elementary in Timberlake spotted a Nissan Murano in the school parking lot. The driver fled at speeds of 80 to 90 mph, struck a deer and a tree, crashed through a fence, and went airborne before Jordan and Gallardo ran into a wooded area and were detained.

Jordan and Gallardo were already facing felony charges connected to CJF America, the Durham-based nonprofit they helped run. ABC11 reported that Durham police accused the pair of obtaining property by false pretenses and felony conspiracy after an alleged investment arrangement ended with a check that bounced.

The vehicle inventory added another layer to the investigation. Deputies said they found two laptops, a receipt printer, bank and credit cards, identifying documents, several cellphones, oxycodone, and buprenorphine films inside the Murano; the report does not establish who owned or used each item.

The latest chase follows months of allegations against CJF America from former workers who say they were not paid for summer-camp jobs. WRAL Investigates reported in February that nonprofit president Kristen Picot was found guilty of one worthless-check count, found not guilty on two others, and had a fourth count dismissed.

Warrants Remain Active In Person And Durham Counties

Authorities have obtained felony warrants against Jordan and Gallardo in Person County stemming from the pursuit and crash, while both men also have active warrants in Durham County. The available report does not specify the full list of new Person County charges.

Jordan and Gallardo have not been convicted of the allegations tied to CJF America or the chase. Anyone who knows where they are should contact the relevant law-enforcement agencies rather than approach them.