CJF America President Kristen Picot appeared in Durham County court on Thursday, after missing her two prior appearances, facing charges for writing worthless checks. The case was supposed to be resolved, yet Picot instead hired a new attorney. The case was continued until next month.
WRAL Investigates has done more than a dozen stories on CJF America and its executives, amid accusations that they owe thousands of dollars to dozens of employees. The company and its executives are also the focus of two lawsuits, including one filed just this week.
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WRAL Investigates has been reaching out to Picot and other CJF America executives for months, asking when employees would be paid, and seeking a sit-down interview with Picot.
As Picot left court Thursday morning, WRAL Investigates' Sarah Krueger asked her multiple questions including when employees will be paid. She only replied: "No comment."
Her new attorney, similarly, did not wish to say much.
"She is always innocent until proven guilty," she said, walking down the courthouse stairs. "No other comments. Thank you so much."
WRAL Investigates reported that Picot missed her first court date, and also missed her second one at which point her attorney said she was hospitalized, though did not say why.
WRAL Investigates has previously reported that company executives have a history of evading law enforcement. Criminal charges against CJF America Chief Financial Officer Nicholas Gallardo and founder Courtney Jordan remain unserved.
According to attorney Phil Thomas, who represents the plaintiffs in both lawsuits filed against CJF America, related companies and their executives, Picot was served with both lawsuits while in court Thursday.