Thread by @reveal

1/ IMPACT: Officials in Texas and Louisiana have launched multiple probes into Cenikor, following our recent investigation that found the prominent drug rehab has turned patients into an unpaid labor force for private companies. revealnews.org/article/drug-r…

2/ We found that Cenikor has sent thousands of patients to work without pay at hundreds of for-profit companies over the years – including Exxon, Shell and Walmart – in likely violation of federal labor law. revealnews.org/article/they-w…

3/ Some examples of what’s changing now:

*Louisiana’s AG is investigating for possible Medicaid fraud.
*Former patients are suing the company for back wages in four separate cases.
*@LSU has stopped staffing its cafeterias with Cenikor workers. (cc @lsureveille)

4/ Louisiana Gov. @JohnBelforLA recently accepted an award from Cenikor for “elected official of the year.” brproud.com/home/cenikor-f…

5/ When @shoeshine got in touch, a spokesperson said the governor is “concerned about any allegations of mistreatment of those seeking help.”

The governor also said he was confident the state’s Department of Health would investigate any complaints.

6/ But here’s the thing: As many state agencies launch what will likely become lengthy probes into Cenikor, the Department of Health *already cleared Cenikor.*

It happened April 25. And it took just two days.

7/ Cenikor failed to conduct background checks on certain staff. They also determined that the kitchen was physically unsafe for residents. documentcloud.org/documents/6005…

8/ This investigation is part of our ongoing “All Work. No Pay” series.

We’ve found rehabs across the U.S. that are forcing residents to work for free in exchange for treatment. revealnews.org/topic/all-work…

9/ No one knows for sure how many of these rehabs are out there.

But we do know one thing: We’ve gotten more tips than we could possibly chase down on our own.

Want to investigate yourself? Join our network:

revealnews.org/local/reveal-r…

10/ And do you have experience with one of these rehabs? We want to hear about it. Tell us your story here:

reveal.forms.fm/what-s-your-ex…

11/ The best way to keep up with all of our work is by subscribing to our newsletter. You can do that here: revealnews.org/newsletter