Complaint Review: Narconon - Newport Beach California

June 29, 2008

At the request of Dan Carmichael, intake counselor for Narconon, Inc., I sent a $20,000 deposit on 2-7-08 to hold a bed for my son in Narconon's new Joshua Hills location.

On February 11, 2008 a three-day intervention with my son failed. I asked Mr. Carmichael to return the deposit. He put me in touch with June Rosenberry, Narconon's CFO. I called four times February and March 2008. These calls were not returned by June. I spoke to Dan Carmichael. Within hours June called (March) and left a message saying there was nothing she could do--her hands were tied.

I began a four-day calling campaign to the Newport Beach, Joshua Hills, and Hollywood Boulevard locations. The secretaries at all locations refused to forward my call to any manager, nor give me the names of any managers. Two of them hung up the phone on me when I insisted on speaking with a manager.

Again I called Dan Carmichael (March 19, 2008) and he put me into touch with Mike Koburn, the Executive Director. I spoke with Mike Koburn on March 21, 2008. He said he would be in touch with his financial officers and see when my deposit could be returned. He promised me a call back on Monday March 24, 2008.

He never returned the call. I called and left several messages for him on March 24, 25, and 26 but he would not return the call.

I called the Joshua Hills location as I understood from Dan Carmichael that Glens Farnsworth was on Narconon's board of directors and was running the new Joshua Hills location. I spoke with David Heron and Spencer. Neither one of them was willing to put me in touch with Glen Farnsworth, though David Heron was sympathic and tried to get Mike Koburn to return my call.

On April 3, 2008 Mike Koburn wrote the email, copying Narconon's attorney Bruce Haddrill, CFO June Rosenberry, and Glen Farnsworth's wife, Shannon Farnsworth:

"Dear Lori,

"As I told you on the phone, by virtue of the fact that Damian did not ever arrive on the program and the fact that there is little probability that he is actually ever going to arrive, we ARE going to repay the $20,000 that you paid. I also explained that your repayment would have to be scheduled, as we pay all of our bills according to a strict schedule of payment, a schedule which is established and updated continually by our Treasury Department. As I promised you I would do, I have spoken to our Treasury Department, and I am informed that you are scheduled for repayment by May 22. It is my intention to do what I can to accelerate that date and get you paid as quickly as possible. I cannot promise that I will be able to do so, but I am completely willing to remain in communication with you until you have received your money.

"Narconon has a 42 year history of saving lives. We have been around, doing our good works for nearly a half century. We will be around for many more years. My only regret is that we were not afforded the opportunity to work with Damian, as I know that we would have had a great, positive effect on his life. I hope that he will do well with whatever he does to handle his problem. For our part, we remain ready to help him when and if he decides that our help is acceptable.

"While I cannot promise that I will be able to accelerate the date of your repayment, I will, I promise, do what I can.

Sincerely,

Michael D. Kobrin

Deputy Exectuve Director

Narconon Southern California"

I explained that I live on a fixed income with Social Security Disability and $20,000 represents most of my life savings. I said I couldn't wait until May 22, 2008 for the return of my deposit. Mike Kobrin said there was nothing he could do and I would have to wait.

On April 15, 2008 I enlisted an attorney friend to call Narconon. Mike Koburn put him in touch with their lawyer Bruce Haddrill. Both Mike Koburn and Bruce Haddrill promised my attorney that my deposit would be returned by May 22, 2008. My attorney suggested I wait until that date.

On May 17, 2008 I emailed Mike Koburn, June Rosenberry, Bruce Haddrill and Shannon Farnsworth requesting confirmation my deposit was slated to be wired to me on May 22. No one responded to my email.

On May 23, 2008 I called Mike Koburn. He said he had been out of town and would look into the situation and call me back. He never returned the call.

On May 27, 2008 I called my attorney and ask that he follow up. He spoke with Bruce Haddrill on or about May 30th. Mr. Haddrill said they had cash flow problems and couldnt refund my deposit yet.

The week of June 23, 2008 my attorney left messages for Bruce Haddrill but never received a call back.

I have had an emotional collapse as Narconon holds my money and my son continues serious life problems. On Sunday, May 25th my son attempted suicide and spent one and a half days in the ICU of North Florida Regional. I have been unable to assist my son as he continues to face life challenges because my money is tied up with Narconon.

Narconon is a residential drug rehabilitation program and is closely affiliated (I have found out after the fact) to Scientology. Narconon and ABLE (Association of Better Living) are closely affiliated with Scientology and receive funding from the organization, as shown on their website: http://www.able.org/about/faq.php. See the answer to the last question where they clearly state they receive funding from Scientology, which is well-known as a cash flush organization.

Narconon's fraud has cost me serious health issues and set me back months, if not years, in my health recuperation. Narconon has stolen my ability to give my son the assistance he needs to live. My sons common-law wife is 7 months pregnant (my first grandchild) and faces incredible difficulty. Narconon has tied my hands in helping my son, my daughter-in-law and my granddaughter.

Their behavior is unconscionable, immoral, and illegal. Do not do business with this organization. If anyone can help me get my $20,000 deposit returned I would be most indebted.

Lori

Alachua, Florida

U.S.A.