Uncovering the truth behind a facade of goodwill, the founder of a Berks County nonprofit, Kevin Kolb, is facing criminal charges for exploiting men in an addiction program for unpaid labor. Sick Recovery, the live-in sober community he ran, promised its clients vocal training and healthy outlets, but behind the scenes, a darker reality was at play.
Despite marketing Sick Recovery as a space for individuals to “turn their pain into purpose,” state prosecutors allege that Kolb forced the men into construction work without pay, isolating them from the outside world by confiscating their identification, money, and cellphones upon enrollment. In a shocking twist, it was revealed that Sick Recovery was operating as a for-profit construction business under the guise of a nonprofit organization.
Men in the program were subjected to grueling, unpaid labor without any means of voluntary exit, with some of the work benefiting Kolb’s brother, Scott Kolb, who owns the construction company Service 360. While Scott faces charges of workplace misclassification, Kevin and his wife, Krista Kolb, are in even deeper legal trouble.
Krista has been charged with insurance fraud, tampering with public records, and other offenses, while Kevin faces charges of involuntary servitude, tax evasion, and more. Prosecutors claim that Kevin used funds intended for the program for personal expenses, leaving some men no choice but to escape in the dead of night.
In response to these shocking allegations, Attorney General Michelle Henry condemned the “disturbing course of conduct” exhibited by Kevin Kolb, stating that he took advantage of vulnerable individuals seeking recovery from substance abuse.
MORE: Bucks County workers go on 1-day strike, demanding health care protections
Follow Kristin & PhillyVoice on Twitter: @kristin_hunt | @thePhillyVoice
Like us on Facebook: PhillyVoice
Have a news tip? Let us know.