Tampa, FL – New Horizons Computer Learning Center franchises in Tampa and Orlando have agreed to pay $1,350,000 to resolve allegations of overcharging the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The settlement addresses claims that the schools failed to report tuition waivers and scholarships provided to students supported by VA benefits and falsely certified compliance with regulations prohibiting incentive-based compensation for enrollment representatives.
The allegations center around the Post-9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Act of 2008, commonly known as the GI Bill. This act provides crucial financial support to service members, veterans, and their eligible dependents pursuing education and training programs. The amount of benefit available under the GI Bill is tied to the length of military service. A key provision of the GI Bill mandates that if an educational institution offers tuition waivers to students receiving less than 100% tuition assistance, these waivers must be reported to the VA, and the student’s benefits adjusted accordingly. Furthermore, Title 38 strictly prohibits schools participating in the GI Bill program from offering commissions, bonuses, or any form of incentive payment directly or indirectly linked to securing student enrollments.
The United States government contended that between 2017 and 2021, LTJ Group V, LLC, and Innovak of Florida, Inc., operating as New Horizons Computer Learning Centers in Tampa and Orlando, Florida, violated these regulations. Specifically, they allegedly failed to report tuition waivers granted to students receiving partial GI Bill assistance. Additionally, the government claimed the centers falsely certified compliance with Title 38 while simultaneously providing commission-based compensation and bonuses to their enrollment representatives, incentivizing increased student enrollment.
This settlement resolves the case United States v. Robert J. Remington, et al., Case No. 8:24-cv-511-TPB-UAM. It is important to note that the claims resolved are allegations, and the settlement does not constitute an admission of liability by New Horizons Computer Learning Center.
“The Post-9/11 GI Bill stands as a testament to our nation’s recognition of the bravery and sacrifice of veterans, offering them invaluable opportunities for post-military education and career advancement,” stated United States Attorney Roger Handberg. “My office remains dedicated to collaborating with the VA to rigorously enforce GI Bill requirements and safeguard the financial integrity of this vital program.”
Special Agent in Charge David Spilker of the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s Southeast Field Office emphasized, “This settlement underscores the VA Office of Inspector General’s unwavering commitment to aggressively pursue individuals and educational institutions seeking to exploit veterans’ education benefits.”
“The VA OIG, in partnership with our law enforcement allies, will continue to vigilantly protect the integrity of VA’s education benefits program,” Spilker added.
This resolution is the result of a collaborative investigation conducted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida and the Department of Veterans Affairs – Office of Inspector General. Senior Litigation Counsel Lindsay S. Griffin and Assistant United States Attorney Mamie V. Wise were instrumental in the investigation and prosecution of this case.
