United States Sues For-Profit Schools In Tampa And Orlando For False Claims Involving The Post-9/11 GI Bill

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Tampa, FL - The United States has filed a civil lawsuit against two New Horizons Computer Learning Center franchises and their owner, Robert J. Remington, alleging they submitted false claims to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for Post-9/11 GI Bill tuition payments. The defendants allegedly overcharged the VA by failing to report tuition waivers and scholarships provided to GI Bill students and falsely certifying compliance with Title 38’s ban on incentive compensation tied to student enrollment.

The GI Bill financially supports service members, veterans, and their eligible dependents who attend an education or training program at an educational institution. The longer a person serves in the military, the greater the benefits available under the GI Bill. If a school offers to waive tuition for a student receiving less than 100-percent assistance, that tuition waiver must be reported to the VA and the student’s portion reduced accordingly. Additionally, Title 38 prohibits participating schools from paying any commission, bonus, or other incentive payment based directly or indirectly on securing student enrollments. 

In its complaint, the United States alleges Remington and his businesses, LTJ Group V, LLC, and Innovak of Florida, Inc., which did business as New Horizons Computer Learning Centers, repeatedly failed to report tuition waivers for students receiving less than 100-percent assistance under the GI Bill and failed to comply with Title 38 by paying commissions, bonuses, or other incentive payments to enrollment representatives based on sales of New Horizons courses to GI Bill students.

The claims asserted against Remington, LTJ Group V, and Innovak of Florida are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.

This case was investigated by the Department of Justice and the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Lindsay S. Griffin and Mamie V. Wise.

Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement can be reported to the VA Office of Inspector General at (800) 488-8244 or at vaoighotline@va.gov.