Attorney General Michelle Henry announced charges against Kevin D. Kolb, the founder and operator of Sick Recovery, a Berks County-based non-profit organization for men with substance abuse issues, which Kolb allegedly used as a source for free laborers.
According to a collaborative investigation by the Office of Attorney General and Pennsylvania State Police, and findings from the 52nd Statewide Investigating Grand Jury, Kolb recruited participants for the live-in program under the guise of offering treatment and healthy recovery alternatives. In reality, according to the investigation, participants had to turn over their personal belongings, including identification, money, and cell phones, and were not permitted to have any contact with their families. They worked construction jobs with no compensation and were not provided any reasonable means to voluntarily exit the program.
Kolb was charged Thursday with numerous offenses, including involuntary servitude, theft by unlawful taking, tax evasion, insurance fraud, and related offenses. He was arraigned and bail was set at $250,000 unsecured.
Krista Kolb, Kevin’s wife, is charged with unsworn falsification to authorities, tampering with public records, construction workplace misclassification, and insurance fraud. She was arraigned and bail was set at $25,000 unsecured.
Scott Kolb, Kevin’s brother, is charged with construction workplace misclassification regarding work that was done for his construction company. He will be mailed a summons to appear in court.
“A comprehensive investigation revealed a disturbing course of conduct allegedly perpetrated by someone who posed as a helper offering a new lifestyle to people dealing with substance abuse,” Attorney General Henry said. “I thank the grand jurors for their time and diligence as they heard testimony about a free-labor scheme disguised as a non-profit organization.”
Pennsylvania State Police Captain James Cuttitta said: “These charges involve a course of conduct by someone who was supposed to be improving the lives of others while criminally taking advantage of those seeking treatment and help. We commend the work of the investigators and the close cooperation by all involved agencies and prosecutors.”
Kevin Kolb marketed Sick Recovery (also known as Soul Recovery Academy) as a recovery home program with vocational training options focusing on motocross racing. According to the investigation's findings there was no formal vocational training; instead participants worked extensive labor at worksites without compensation. While Kevin Kolb contracted for work under Soul Constructors' name they also worked as subcontractors for Service 360 owned by Scott Kolb.
Throughout operating Soul Recovery as a for-profit construction business while maintaining non-profit status funds received via donations grants construction payments were used for personal expenses according to investigators many participants lacking any reasonable means left secretly in middle night
The cases will be prosecuted by Chief Deputy Attorney General Brian Zarallo and Deputy Attorney General Lisa Eisenberg.
All charges are allegations; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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