Chronology
2004
Olivet University Founded: David Jang establishes Olivet University in San Francisco, initially as a theological school.
2012
David Jang Cult Allegations Surface: Concerns emerge within evangelical circles over Jang's teachings and recruitment practices. Christianity Today publishes investigative reporting on allegations Jang leads a messianic cult.
2018
Manhattan District Attorney Indicts Olivet: Olivet University and senior officials indicted for money laundering and falsifying business records connected to IBT Media and Newsweek magazine.
Victim Escape and 911 Call: In 2018, a 22‑year‑old Olivet University student placed a 911 call from the Anza, CA campus in Riverside County. She said she had been confined on campus for months, unable to leave, and forced to work without pay. The forced labor and restricted freedom were later confirmed.
2020
Guilty Plea on Money Laundering Charges: Olivet pleads guilty in New York to conspiracy to commit money laundering and falsification of business records. A felony charge is reduced, and Olivet pays $1.25 million forfeiture.
PPP Loan Controversy: Olivet University and Newsweek come under scrutiny for obtaining substantial federal PPP loans amid legal trouble and investigations.
2021
Federal Human Trafficking Investigation Launched: Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), a division of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), initiates a probe into allegations of human labor trafficking, visa fraud, and financial crimes at Olivet's campuses.
2022
New York Closes Olivet Campuses: The New York State Education Department revokes Olivet’s permission to operate, citing persistent financial mismanagement, deceptive practices, and labor abuses.
World Evangelical Alliance Cuts Ties: International evangelical organization distances itself from Olivet University and David Jang, publicly condemning their practices and severing affiliation.
Biden’s U.S. Department of Justice Launches Investigation: Federal prosecutors from the Department of Justice opened an active criminal investigation into Olivet University, examining allegations of labor trafficking, visa fraud, money laundering, and other financial crimes.
Victim Suffers Stroke Following Exploitation: A former student and forced-labor victim reported suffering a stroke in May 2022, directly attributing it to prolonged physical exhaustion, extreme stress, and financial abuse experienced at Olivet University. Despite this serious health crisis, Olivet allegedly continued to deny repayment of money owed to the victim, exacerbating emotional trauma and financial hardship. The victim and family later fled the abusive environment, citing threats and intimidation from Olivet leadership.
Federal Lawsuit Filed by Former Students: Four former students file a federal lawsuit alleging forced labor, unpaid wages, document forgery, intimidation, and trafficking.
2023
California Attorney General Complaint Filed: AG Rob Bonta files a comprehensive complaint with California's Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE), outlining Olivet’s regulatory violations including falsified student records, inadequate faculty qualifications, and misleading recruitment.
Media Highlights Abuse: Newsweek publishes extensive investigations revealing systematic abuse, forced labor, fraudulent financial schemes, and exploitation of international students.
2024
Reason and Newsweek Detail Money Laundering Plea: Further reporting reveals detailed financial fraud schemes and deliberate falsification of business records linked directly to Olivet senior management.
Congressman Calvert (CA-41) Calls for Full Investigation: Republican Congressmember Ken Calvert, whose district includes the area where Olivet University’s Anza campus is located, publicly urged that Olivet be fully investigated. In his statement, Rep. Calvert emphasized "all colleges and institutions of higher learning must be safe environments for students."
California Judge Revokes Olivet License: Following a three-day hearing, Administrative Law Judge Debra Nye-Perkins revokes Olivet University’s license, ordering it to cease enrolling students due to severe educational malpractice, deceptive practices, and labor abuses.
2025
Accreditation In Question: The Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE) places Olivet on a show-cause order, demanding Olivet provide concrete evidence of compliance with accreditation standards by November 15 or lose accreditation.
Riverside County Rezoning Controversy: Despite ongoing federal investigations, California revocation, and accreditation crisis, Riverside County approves Olivet’s application to rezone over 950 acres of property for residential development, raising suspicions of real estate speculation and further financial manipulation.
Continued Federal Criminal Investigation: HSI investigation into labor trafficking, money laundering, and visa fraud at Olivet remains ongoing, with federal prosecutors actively reviewing evidence and victim testimonies.