Tampa, FL – New Horizons Computer Learning Centers franchises in Tampa and Orlando, along with their owner, have agreed to a settlement of $1,350,000 to resolve allegations of overcharging the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The allegations involve the schools’ failure to report tuition waivers and scholarships provided to students supported by VA benefits, and for falsely certifying compliance with Title 38’s prohibition on incentive compensation tied to student enrollment.
The Post-9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Act of 2008, commonly known as the GI Bill, is designed to support service members, veterans, and their eligible dependents in pursuing education and training programs. The benefits available under the GI Bill are scaled according to the length of military service. A critical aspect of the GI Bill is the requirement for educational institutions to report any tuition waivers offered to students receiving less than 100 percent assistance. These waivers must be disclosed to the VA to ensure the student’s portion is appropriately reduced. Furthermore, Title 38 explicitly forbids participating schools from offering commissions, bonuses, or any form of incentive payment directly or indirectly linked to securing student enrollments. This measure is in place to protect the integrity of the educational process and prevent undue influence on enrollment decisions.
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, did not report tuition waivers for GI Bill students receiving less than full assistance. Additionally, they allegedly falsely certified compliance with Title 38 by providing commissions, bonuses, or other incentive payments to their enrollment representatives. These actions, if proven true, would constitute serious violations of the regulations designed to protect veterans and the integrity of the GI Bill program.
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 addressed by this settlement are allegations, and the agreement does not constitute a determination of liability. New Horizons Computer Learning Centers chose to settle to avoid the costs and uncertainties of prolonged litigation.
“The Post-9/11 GI Bill honors the dedication and sacrifice of our veterans by enabling them to access the education and training needed for successful post-military careers,” stated United States Attorney Roger Handberg. “My office remains dedicated to collaborating with the VA to enforce GI Bill requirements and diligently safeguard the program’s financial stability.”
“This settlement underscores the VA Office of Inspector General’s unwavering commitment to aggressively pursue individuals and educational institutions that seek to exploit veterans’ education benefits,” commented Special Agent in Charge David Spilker of the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s Southeast Field Office. “The VA OIG will continue its partnership with law enforcement agencies to uphold the integrity of the VA’s education benefits program and ensure these vital resources are protected.”
This resolution is the result of a collaborative effort between 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, demonstrating the commitment of these offices to protecting veterans’ benefits and taxpayer funds.
