Ohio Inspector General Investigation Results in a 93-Count Indictment Encompassing 11 Persons and a Corporation Who Colluded to Improperly Receive Nearly $1 Million in Grant[...]

On February 23, 2026, a Cuyahoga County grand jury indicted BridgePort Digital and 11 individuals for various offenses including Engaging in a Pattern of Corrupt Activity, Conspiracy, Theft, Telecommunications Fraud, Tampering with Records, and Forgery. The investigation stems from a report of investigation issued by the Ohio Inspector General after investigating a complaint received from the Ohio Department of Development (ODEV) involving BridgePort Digital, an online Information Technology training provider, and multiple companies whose employees were receiving training from BridgePort Digital. The investigation focused on companies that were enrolled in the Ohio TechCred Grant Program and received monetary reimbursement for employees who allegedly took training classes from Bridgeport Digital.

The investigation found that the aforementioned individuals failed to comply with Ohio TechCred Program guidelines resulting in improper reimbursements of nearly $1 million. Investigators further found that the companies did not typically incur the cost of the training prior to receiving reimbursement as required by the grant guidelines. In addition, investigators determined that the individuals who received the trainings were not W-2 employees of the companies and were thus not eligible for reimbursement. Finally, investigators determined that the companies routinely submitted for the maximum amount of reimbursement per training ($2,000). Bank records acquired during the investigation revealed that the reimbursement money was split between BridgePort Digital and the companies and did not reflect the actual cost paid by the companies for the trainings as reported on BridgePort Digital invoices.

Ohio TechCred is a program administered by ODEV that gives employers the chance to upskill current and future employees who complete eligible technology-focused credentials. Employers who submit successful applications to the program are eligible to be reimbursed up to $2,000 per W-2 employee who completes an approved training.

Inspector General Randall J. Meyer praised the efforts of the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office, stating, "I want to acknowledge the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael C. O'Malley and his staff for their efforts in pursuing this complex white-collar crime case. The successful prosecution of these individuals will demonstrate that the State of Ohio does not tolerate fraud and corruption of taxpayer-funded programs."

Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael C. O'Malley issued a statement expressing that, "Through collaborative work with the Office of the Ohio Inspector General and the Ohio Department of Development, investigators uncovered fraud involving more than $1 million in grant funds. Those responsible will be held accountable for stealing from the citizens of Ohio."

Ohio Inspector General Report of Investigation file number 2023-CA00004 is now available.