July 30, 2012 Media Contact: Jenn Meale Phone: (850) 245-0150

en Español

Print Version

Tweet

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. –Attorney General Pam Bondi today announced that her office has obtained $469,000 in restitution for nursing school students who were deceived into enrolling in classes at JLF University. The final judgment against JLF University, Inc., Green Cross School of Nursing, Advance Training Academy, Inc., Allied Health College at JLF University, Inc., Dr. Joseph LaFortune, and Aline LaFortune also requires the schools to pay $67,000 in civil penalties and prohibits them from misrepresenting qualifications and programs. In May 2011, Attorney General Bondi announced the lawsuit against JLF and its principals for alleged violations of the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act.

“Prospective students can only make informed choices when schools fairly disclose critical information, such as costs and the opportunities available following graduation,” stated Attorney General Pam Bondi.

According to the complaint, students enrolled in the nursing program were charged between $7,000 and $15,000 for a year-long program taught in both Miami and Jamaica. After enrolling, students learned that they would not be eligible for licensure in Florida because JLF is not an approved nursing education program. When the students demanded refunds, Dr. LaFortune allegedly offered to allow the students to “transfer” to Green Cross School of Nursing, which is owned by his wife, Aline LaFortune, for an additional payment of $7,000.

Please visit the following links to view the final order of summary judgment and the stipulated final judgment:
http://myfloridalegal.com/webfiles.nsf/WF/MMFD-8WPQC2/$file/JLF1.pdf
http://myfloridalegal.com/webfiles.nsf/WF/MMFD-8WPQCT/$file/jlf2.pdf