CCM+E/Philadelphia Allegedly Swindled

WUSL

TRACEY PARSON, the founder of the KIDDIE KARE chain of day-care centers in PHILADELPHIA, was indicted in federal court on charges of stealing money intended to feed low income kids.  Included in the indictment was filing bogus lawsuits against CCM+E Urban WUSL (POWER 99)/PHILADELPHIA and former morning co-host TARSHA "JONESY" JONES, reports PHILLY.COM.

In 2011, PARSON filed the suits against CLEAR CHANNEL COMMUNICATIONS, INC. and JONES, alleging JONES defamed her on the air concerning an altercation between groups of girls involving PARSON's daughter. (NET NEWS 11/28/11)  Weeks following the actions, JONES was terminated and the company eventually settled out of court for what was described as a substantial amount.  Prosecutors now allege PARSON fabricated evidence her business had suffered, her property was vandalized, and that she had received threats of violence.

The amount CLEAR CHANNEL paid to settle with PARSON in JULY 2012 was not specified, but prosecutors want her to forfeit nearly $1.3 million.  Presumably it includes the amount she allegedly defrauded from the government and from the CLEAR CHANNEL settlement.

In addition to the incident involving the station, the indictment accuses PARSON of turning in fake claims resulting in $523,148 in reimbursements from a federal food program administered by the PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.

Assistant U.S. Attorney MARK KAY COSTELLO, who is prosecuting the case, said KIDDIE KARE is out of business.  PARSON is charged with three counts of wire fraud, two counts of conspiracy, one count of mail fraud, and two counts of aiding and abetting.  If convicted on all counts, she faces a maximum of 90 years in prison and a fine of up to $1.5 million.

To read the indictment against TRACEY PARSON, www.inquirer.com/parson.

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