93-Count Indictment Alleges $1M TechCred Training Cash Grab in Cleveland

Cuyahoga County grand jury accuses 11 people and a company of falsifying documents to claim reimbursements from Ohio's job-training program.

Feb. 25, 2026 at 5:05pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A sweeping 93-count indictment handed up by a Cuyahoga County grand jury accuses 11 people and Bridgeport Digital LLC of hatching a plan to siphon off nearly $1 million from Ohio's TechCred job-training program through falsified paperwork and bogus reimbursement requests. Prosecutors say the alleged network used forged certificates, falsified payment records, and other altered documents to claim reimbursements for trainees who did not qualify.

Why it matters

The TechCred program is designed to help employers offset the cost of short-term, technology-focused credentials for their workers, but the alleged scheme highlights concerns about potential abuse and the need for tighter vetting and verification of reimbursement requests across the state.

The details

The indictment alleges a coordinated push to claim the maximum $2,000 reimbursement per credential and up to $30,000 per employer per funding round, even for trainees who did not qualify. Investigators say they uncovered forged certificates, falsified payment records, and other altered documents used to justify the reimbursement requests.

  • The Cuyahoga County grand jury handed up the 93-count indictment on Tuesday, February 25, 2026.

The players

Bridgeport Digital LLC

A company accused of serving as a vehicle for some of the alleged reimbursement claims.

Ohio's TechCred program

A state program designed to reimburse employers for short-term, technology-focused credentials for their workers, typically up to $2,000 per credential and up to $30,000 per employer per funding round.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The defendants are expected to be arraigned in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court, where they will have the chance to enter pleas and challenge the case.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for stronger oversight and verification measures in Ohio's TechCred program to prevent potential abuse and ensure taxpayer funds are used as intended to support workforce development and upskilling.