nbc investigates smile direct club. In 2019, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) filed complaints with dental boards in 36 states, alleging that Smile Direct Club was practicing dentistry without a license. nbc investigates smile direct club

 
 In 2019, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) filed complaints with dental boards in 36 states, alleging that Smile Direct Club was practicing dentistry without a licensenbc investigates smile direct club  More about SmileDirectClub

When it comes to at-home teeth straightening, Smile Direct Club is a great option. 68 reviews of Smile Direct Club "I had a good in-person experience with Yamel because she was able to clearly explain the imaging procedure and she somehow made the process of having her hands in my mouth as non-awkward as possible. SDC also filed a $2. In the wake of NBC’s report, and as a direct result of it, SDC’s market cap plummeted by $950 million. On average, SmileDirectClub (SDC) treatment takes 4 to 6 months to straighten teeth. July. They told me I probably just hadn't seated my aligner correctly, then asked me to send several photos to look at the aligners and my teeth, so I sent those in immediately. We’ll keep adding new photos as we find them on Instagram! Click any photo to view larger: Before & After: Amy. Company Intends to Maintain Normal Operations, Transforming Smiles Without DisruptionNASHVILLE, Tenn. SmileDirectClub aligners are custom-made aligners that gradually straighten your teeth. In the wake of NBC’s report, and as a direct result of it, SDC’s market cap plummeted by $950 million. SmileDirectClub costs under $2,000, while Invisalign can cost anywhere between $3,000 and $8,000. We touched briefly on the lawsuit SmileDirectClub has filed against NBC News, but this isn’t the only legal action the company has taken. The lawsuit, filed in Tennessee court today, was first reported by The Wall Street Journal and revolves around a story by NBC News investigative reporter Vicky Nguyen which aired during the Feb. Metro Police said the suspect, a dayshift employee identified as 22-year-old Antonio. Hi guys! In today’s video I’m comparing the differences between Invisalign & Smile Direct Club. The firm earned $137. Smile Direct Club Internet USA. Business, Economics, and Finance. Smile direct sued NBC for billions for spreading false information. By. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. The company (and other lesser-known companies like it) promise customers a “self-treatment” option for misaligned teeth using mail-order aligners. , 1-800-848-7566. Interested in straightening your teeth but first want to see how it can turn out - and how long it could take? Our app does just that. SmileDirectClub has filed a lawsuit seeking approximately $2. 49 32 strips - $24. SmileDirectClub promises refunds to customers if they’re unhappy. With Single Pay, make a one-time payment of $2830 which is half the cost of braces and Invisalign. D. With the Lifetime Smile Guarantee from Smile Direct Club, she claims that you can straighten your teeth for 60 percent less than Invisalign and get a smile you love for life. Jason O. Code: NYNY23. Business Started: 7/16/2014. Nov. com. 5 million people. The price is the same at $1,895, which shows significant savings over traditional braces for straightening and aligning the teeth. When you find an item that you like, click “Add to Cart” on its product page. Antioch Smile Direct Club shooting in Nashville, Tennessee leaves 3 injured and gunman, Antonio King (pictured) dead. com. Read a statement released by Antonio King’s family: ‘The heart of our family is broken at the news of the shooting at Smile Direct Club. SmileDirectClub promises to fix your smile for about a third of the cost of traditional braces with at-home teeth straightening. Although the company has agreed to give refunds. Reviews you can trust, from real people like you. Before joining SmileDirectClub, he ran his own dental practice for more than 30 years. Squeeze a bit of gentle liquid soap into a cup of warm (but not hot!) water and mix to form suds. So here we go, 8 myths everyone should know about Smile Direct Club before joining. GameStop Moderna Pfizer Johnson & Johnson AstraZeneca Walgreens Best Buy Novavax SpaceX Tesla. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. The arbitrator has ordered SmileDirectClub to pay Align $43. 15 per share. SmileDirectClub treatment is backed by our Lifetime Smile Guarantee™. J. Answer: Clear Aligners. I ordered a touch up kit that took a month and a half to be completed when I initially was told 2-3 weeks. . 414 Union St Fl 8, Nashville, TN 37219-1757. Sponsored. Ripoff Report on: Smile Direct Club - Smile direct club refusal to fill out papers for insurance reimbursement nashville tn. SmileDirectClub. Thank you!"Smile Direct Club offers people a way to align their teeth without having to go to an orthodontist office. Those payments are on top of the $54. Thats where the RDT comes into play. In September, the company raised $1. August 2019. Watch. He also worked there from late 2019 to early 2020. Houston, TX. The company has filed lawsuits against the California Dental Board and competing company Candid. They know both sides usually. 29, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SmileDirectClub, Inc. An Australian registered dentist will assess if you’re eligible for treatment. Published. The direct-to-consumer oral-care company is seeking $2. SmileDirectClub. Tuesday. Premium Teeth Whitening Kit with LED Light (2 treatments) Premium Teeth Whitening Gel + Bonus Lip Balm. If you have any questions or concerns that weren’t addressed in this Smile Direct Club invisible aligner review, you can contact the Smile Direct Club customer care team 24/7 via: Phone: (800) 848-7566. Quite the contrary; in fact, SmileDirectClub has filed lawsuits against dentists, competitors, and others. Within 3 days my 3D treatment plan was uploaded for me to see. Before & After: Ashleigh. King, who started working at Smile Direct Club in June after an earlier stint from late 2019 to early 2020, went to the manufacturing facility around 6 a. The cost is similar to the cost for braces, according to the company. 1 “60% less than Invisalign” claim based on SmileDirectClub Single Pay vs. Metro Police said the shooter was identified as a 22-year-old employee who started working at Smile Direct Club in June. 8 billion. Teeth Whitening. Teeth Whitening. I went to the appointment and had images of my teeth made. Reuters. 4 million plus interest of $2. NASHVILLE, Tenn. For SmileDirectClub, here’s a rundown of the pros and cons to be aware of: Pros. SmileDirectClub states many customers start seeing results in as little as two months. Metro Nashville Police were dispatched at 5:58 a. The complaints led to investigations in several. Ripoff Report on: Smile Direct Club - Smile direct club product did not work. San Jose, CA 95125-1059. 2 days ago. The suspected workplace shooter has been shot by police, MNPD tweeted. smile spa™ Ultrasonic and UV cleaning machineCustomer service was prompt, friendly, and knowledgeable. SmileDirectClub also offers a payment plan, where you’ll pay $89/month after a $250 down payment. 85 billion in damages. Smile Direct: I'm a customer and I've contacted the company about payment issues. 8 billion defamation suit against Comcast Corporation’s NBC Universal Media and reporter Vicky Nguyen, accusing the broadcast. The easy way to start on a smile you love. 5% over the prior year period. (408) 300-8044. As of November 2020, SmileDirectClub is in network with UnitedHealthCare, Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross , Anthem Blue Cross and. In February 2020, an investigative story run by NBC News called into question the safety of SmileDirectClub’s trademark clear aligners. From 2019:. Mental illness cited. SmileDirectClub sues NBC over "defamatory" report May 18, 2020 4:32 PM ET SmileDirectClub, Inc. The complaints led to investigations in several. Teledentistry company SmileDirectClub Inc. This group is for people who are considering, are in the process of, or have completed treatment with Smile Direct Club anywhere it operates (currently the US, Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and Hong Kong). Great Savings: $100 off Clear Aligners. Support WITF . We touched briefly on the lawsuit SmileDirectClub has filed against NBC News, but this isn’t the only legal action the company has taken. It leans on teledentistry to cut out the local dentist or orthodontist in delivering clear dental aligners. The lawsuit, filed Monday in Nashville, Tenn. m. An employee of a company that makes clear plastic teeth aligners opened fire at one of its Tennessee facilities Tuesday morning, injuring three people there before police officers shot and killed. 1 star. Directions Advertisement. Web: Www. Soap and water. Nashville-based SmileDirectClub says its $1,895 direct-to-consumer aligners cost 60% less than traditional braces. The company reported ($0. Book Your Invisalign Consultation Today. NBC Nightly News - Watch episodes on NBC. Code. 8 billion. Dental aligner company SmileDirectClub Inc. I ordered a touch up kit that took a month and a half to be completed when I initially was told 2-3 weeks. 3. You could be the first review for Smile Direct Club. It is directed by your doctor who will oversee your treatment virtually. Get the inside scoop on jobs, salaries, top office locations, and CEO insights. 8 billion from NBC Universal Media and reporter Vicky Nguyen, alleging that they “knowingly and intentionally [made. 1. A remote dentist approves the treatment, sets up a treatment plan and schedules regular remote checkups to monitor progress. I am someone who has has both Invisalign and Smile Direct Club. The American Dental Association reports that the average price for braces in the United States ranges from $5,000–$6,000, or about 59% more than making a one-time payment for the Smile Direct Club. Elite 23. Listen. Invite a friend. When I came in everyone was super friendly and it smelled. To do that: - Go to Settings and unlink your TV provider. The story focused in on various consumer complaints about. September 29, 2023 at 4:39 PM PDT. The downfall of SmileDirectClub is an impressive example of capital destruction. All customer reviews are handled by the BBB where the company is. Email this Business. Their average treatment time is around 4 to 6 months, and are best for mild to moderate teeth misalignment cases. The lawsuits against Smile Direct Club have prompted regulatory bodies to take a closer look at the industry. A new smile is within reach, and we can’t wait to see yours. So there is no misunderstanding about this post: I had a great 14-day cruise on the Celebrity BEYOND. SmileDirectClub says it was misrepresented by NBC, claims dentists are 'integral' to. For the families impacted by the shooting we cry and pray with you. I chose to go into the store front as it was free. Get started. Create your free profile or log in to save this video. SDC has served 1. How to Contact Smile Direct Club. Prices range from $17-$75:SmileDirectClub filed a $2. It’s alleged that Invisalign and other Ortho associations was behind the PR attack. We'll ship them to you all at once, so there's no wait. [3] [4] Products. The estimated additional pay is $6,864 per year. 8 billion lawsuit against NBCUniversal Media on May 18, claiming the news publication ignored facts and broadcast a story with over 40 errors in it. How do I preserve my new smile after treatment? As with any orthodontic treatment, you'll need regular retainer wear to maintain your new smile. SmileDirectClub advertises a popular, online teeth-straightening service, but a Marketplace hidden camera investigation found that some of its customers could be receiving misleading and. 2 million SmileDirectClub has. Shares of SmileDirectClub. Our water flosser removes 99% of the plaque between your teeth and below your gumline, where traditional brushing and flossing can’t. Search reviews. Traditional metal braces cost between $2,500 and $7,500, and invisible braces cost between $2,000 and $8,500. The company was co-founded in 2014 by Jordan Katzman and Alex Fenkell. Smile Direct Club also offer a credit option. For the first 2 weeks after your smile treatment, you'll wear your retainers 24 hours a day (except for eating and drinking). They went undercover and gathered patient tales of misaligned jaws, migraine headaches, and tooth loss due to SmileDirect Club’s unorthodox treatment methods. Autopsy results show multiple bullets likely fired by both Metro Nashville Police Department officers and Smile Direct Club security guards led to the Aug. com. SmileDirectClub offers remote teeth straightening for 60% less than braces, with two payment options. m. They suggested for me to go in and get new. Smile direct has some of the worst customer service I've ever experienced. "Live stream troubleshooting. SmileDirect Club issued a statement firing. 10% Off. The spat comes amid a nationwide boom for clear-plastic removable teeth aligners, which offer an alternative to traditional braces. I was drawn by the promising guarantee of a perfect aligned smile and lifetime warranty. Three people were shot at a Smile Direct Club warehouse in Antioch, Tennessee, early Tuesday morning. $1,999 All-Day aligners or $2,399 At-Night aligners. SmileDirect is about one third of that price. Invisalign, Smile Direct is the clear winner. The feverish competition among teeth straightening services has one of the industry's biggest players struggling to survive. FacebookI scheduled appointment with Smile Direct Club (SDC) through their website. Consumer Reporter Susan Hogan explains what it means for customers. I took my daughter for a scan and the feedback from the SDC dentist post scan was my daughter would require 14 sets of aligners. These doctors say that Smile Direct Club is a great option to help people straighten their teeth. 5 million SmileDirectClub class action settlement will benefit certain consumers who claim to have received unsolicited text messages from the company. They spread false information and rumors to destroy the brand. They know both sides usually. It’s a tough pill. Consensus estimates were calling for a loss of just $0. No strings attached. Overall rating. Business Started: 7/16/2014. The investigation concerns whether SmileDirectClub and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices. Reply from SmileDirectClub - Canada. Military Members Get 50% Off Impression Kits + $100 Off Aligners with This Smile Direct Club Coupon Code. A new lawsuit has been filed against SmileDirectClub, Inc. Yesterday evening, NBC Nightly News ran an incredibly one-sided and distorted report on SmileDirectClub. 14, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SmileDirectClub , the industry pioneer and first direct-to-consumer oral care med tech platform, issues the following statement in response to an NBC Nightly News story on the company, which aired yesterday. Serena T. 5 photos. 535 Yates St Victoria BC V8W 2Z6 (800) 688-4010. Similar to Invisalign and SmileDirectClub they can treat up to 90% of cases. SmileDirectClub was first to the marketplace; founded in 2014; and paved the way for affordable, at-home teeth straightening with clear teeth. The stock. Dive Brief: After not being able to obtain third-party financing, dental care company SmileDirectClub filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Friday, according to a company press release. #1 - Smile Direct Aligners Are The Same As InvisalignThen we'll create your custom treatment plan, and you’ll see a 3D image showing you how your new smile will look. Email: support@smiledirectclub. You save. (ticker SDC) filed a $2. Start your review of Smile Direct Club. Some patients lost teeth, rest needed broken. While SmileDirectClub, the largest at-home dental alignment company, and others promise to leave patients smiling, an NBC News investigation into a growing list of complaints found that this. While the treatment can work for some people, it can cause. Ripoff Report Needs Your Help! DONATE NOW! X | CLOSE. Chief Clinical Officer. Also pretty silly to lie to someone that works in the building, I ride the same elevator throughout the day with people who are going to the smile direct club floor and I work for the largest company in the building. “We are disappointed that though we provided NBC with the opportunity to obtain all. 10% Off. ”. Shares of SmileDirectClub. /PRNewswire/ -- Kaplan Fox & Kilsheimer LLP (has been investigating claims on behalf of investors who purchased shares of SmileDirectClub,. (ticker SDC) filed a $2. The customer service has been great and all of retainers arrived clearly labeled and ready to go. If your smile needs a touch-up, it’s free. However, you can also choose SmilePay™ which is a $250 down payment and $85 a month for 26 months. SmileDirectClub also can help you keep your teeth and gums healthy, and your mouth comfortable while you wear your aligners. S. S. Here are more inspiring before and after pics from Smile Direct customers. With Invisalign they had hooks on the aligner that allowed for the use of rubber bands, which you sometimes see with traditional braces. 8 million, alleging that Tennessee's Consumer Protection Act was violated by a "Nightly News" broadcast questioning the safety of the teeth aligners. m. NBC News investigation finds that SmileDirectClub's at-home dental aligner kits may does more harm greater goody. Go inside the SmileHouse, SmileDirectClub's 131,487-square-foot factory, to see how the company produces an average of 40,000 teeth aligners per day. Send to: Attn: SmileDirectClub 414 Union St, 8th Floor Nashville, TN 37219. 64 reviews of Smile Direct Club "My consultant itzel was amazing. It looks like you are going to end treatment with edge to edge bite, your upper and lower front teeth are going to keep hitting together and that is going to cause a ton of wear and future issues. SmileDirectClub is suing Comcast's NBCUniversal for roughly $2. Nashville, Tenn. We will be going over the pros and cons of each aligner optio. Smile Direct Club treatment options: SmileDirectClub Clear Aligners: Average 6-month treatment plan with 22 hours of wear per day. average total fees (including diagnostics and in-person exams) for. 2 stars. Search reviews. At least three people were left injured after a 22-year-old gunman opened fire at a SmileDirectClub in Antioch, Tenn. We're comparing Smile Direct Club and byte head-to-head so you can determine which clear aligner option is the best fit for you. Police rushed to reports of shots fired at the Smile Direct Club warehouse at 1530 Antioch Pike just before 6 a. Get Directions. SmileDirectClub has filed a lawsuit seeking approximately $2. SmileDirectClub was founded on one simple belief: everyone deserves a smile they love. A common complaint against Smile Direct Club is obviously the fact that they do not doo physical dental check ins. Dentistry Today May 20, 20203 Mins read. Quite the contrary; in fact, SmileDirectClub has filed lawsuits against dentists, competitors, and others. 00. Two are now in braces for bite misalignment, and they are wearing braces as young adults. The tooth alignment outfit filed for voluntary protection under Chapter 11 of the US Bankruptcy Code on Friday, Yahoo Finance exclusively learned. 4 stars. The company’s $5 billion market capitalization is one sign Wall Street sees it. Smile direct has some of the worst customer service I've ever experienced. Start seeing results in as little as 60 days. 14, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SmileDirectClub, the industry pioneer and first direct-to-consumer oral care med tech platform,. SmileDirectClub takes on orthodontics industry with fleet of 3D-printing robots. Below is a timeline of events since the direct-to-consumer dental company went public up until this month. If you are okay with jusy okay, SDC can save you money. 00 per share in an initial public offering ("IPO"). The spat comes amid a nationwide boom for clear-plastic removable teeth aligners, which offer an alternative to traditional braces. NASHVILLE, Tenn. . Here is everything about Invisalign vs Smile Direct. I was told she would require 52 sets of aligners to correct. Pros and Cons of SmileDirectClub. Orthodontics disruptor SmileDirectClub, Inc. Get App See your smile. ) There is a lot to the lab side of things that dentists aren't aware of, just like us techs don't know much about clinical dentistry. Revenue. Cons. It uses the same safe, effective whitening agent as a dentist's office, but costs much less than a professional treatment. Smile Direct Club Responds to Misrepresentations in the Media Published: Feb 14, 2020 NASHVILLE, Tenn. I've been waiting for a Las Vegas location to open up and finally it happened!! First I tried the impression kit and messed up so I decided to come into the Smile Shop. Articles from the tag: NBC 5 Investigates. Your smile is protected for life. Sort by:SmileDirectClub (SDC) will announce the launch of a new line of its aligners on Wednesday. Premium Teeth Whitening Gel (2 treatments) Premium Teeth Whitening Touch Up Pen. First impressions, my 3-D scan, first and second week of invisible aligners. Invisalign’s aligners can treat practically any orthodontic issue (s), but Smile Direct Club’s aligners can only treat. 22 hours of wear time each day; Take out aligner when eating or drinking; Average treatment time of 4 to 6 months; $2,050 or $89 per month; Smile Direct Club Features Smile Direct Club Reportedly Facing a Lawsuit Because of Their Aligners. , Sept. Smile Direct Club is only suitable for mild to moderate teeth straightening, such as minor crowding or spacing issues and gaps. 269. Three men found dead inside Colorado home. All-Day aligners: $70 a month for 36 months (with $249 deposit $2,750 total) At-Night aligners: $84 a month for. That's 75% cheaper than what you pay for Invisalign, and you get the same product. Teledentistry company SmileDirectClub Inc. The news organization released an investigative report on Thursday night looking at customer complaints from using SmileDirectClub’s clear aligners. On May 18, SDC sued NBC in Tennessee federal court seeking more than $2. Invite a friend. Reply from SmileDirectClub - UK. Many professionals opt for Nighttime Clear Aligners because they don't have to wear them at the office. If getting a quick fix at a low cost is the only factor in deciding between Smile Direct Club vs. Fixed Teeth Crowding. 8 billion from NBC Universal Media and reporter Vicky Nguyen for knowingly and intentionally making factually inaccurate, misleading, and defamatory claims about the company and its platform for teeth straightening during an NBC Nightly News. Smile Direct Club recently introduced ComfortSense technology for their BPA-free plastic aligners. Net loss of $ (70. By Claire Boston. 38 reviews. (Reuters) - Tele-dentistry pioneer SmileDirectClub can sue traditional dentists and orthodontists who serve on the California Dental Board for allegedly. Taking your impressions is the first step toward getting the. Search reviews. Yes, Smile Direct Club can have a shorter treatment time than Invisalign… but this is largely because it cannot be used for complex cases. 1:08. From 2019:. S. 19, after weeks of rumors that the company would be going public. Vey Kind, personable, respectful and wanted to make sure i understood what. sued Comcast Corp. Ripoff Report Investigates How to get Ripoff Revenge & your money back too! Repair Your Reputation The Right Way Programs & Services Corporate Advocacy Program - Verified Status. 10, 2023. Email this Business. smiledirectclub. 5 million SmileDirectClub class action settlement will benefit certain consumers who claim to have received unsolicited text messages from the company. My impression kit was half off with a code which was refunded when I decided. SmileDirectClub ( SDC) is an oral care company and the creator of the first MedTech platform for teeth straightening. --SmileDirectClub, Inc. Contact Information. Why it matters: SmileDirectClub filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Friday, having failed to profitably corner the promising but highly competitive world of removable, clear-plastic teeth aligners. On Friday, NBC News broke the story wide open. 08. 85 billion defamation lawsuit against NBC News for. I bought this to the attention of SDC, only for them to. One worker. Compare pay for popular roles and read about the team’s work-life balance. I did read about the various companies that offer direct to consumer. 3. With this, Invisalign is generally viewed as the more reputable option for clear aligners. SDC also filed a $2. SmileDirectClub's stock fell 16% to close at $12. In a cup, mix one part white vinegar to three parts warm water. If you have any questions or concerns that weren’t addressed in this Smile Direct Club invisible aligner review, you can contact the Smile Direct Club customer care team 24/7 via: Phone: (800) 848-7566. Revenue. Bad enough by itself, but it gets worse. 14, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SmileDirectClub , the industry pioneer and first direct-to-consumer oral care med tech platform, issues the following statement in response to an NBC Nightly News story on the company, which aired yesterday. Photo: Smile Direct Club. 85 billion. A new lawsuit has been filed against SmileDirectClub, Inc. ’s attorney general is suing a popular online orthodontics company over its refund policies. SmileDirectClub promises to fix your smile for about a third of the cost of traditional braces with at-home teeth straightening. Clear Aligners, Teeth Straightening & Oral Care | SmileDirectClubAs a concept, this new service is a great idea, however there are several things that a person should know prior to joining the Smile Direct Club and that is what we are going to talk about today. Looking to fix your smile while saving money and time? SmileDirectClub claims you can safely do it for about half the cost of a traditional orthodontist — an. They spread false information and rumors to destroy the brand. ’s NBCUniversal, seeking nearly $3 billion in damages for what it alleges were defamatory news. 1 “60% less than Invisalign” claim based on SmileDirectClub Single Pay vs. Although the company has agreed to give refunds. m. June 22, 2023. In a lengthy lawsuit over 200 pages, SmileDirectClub accused NBC Universal Media and reporter Vicky Nguyen of publishing false and misleading information about the company and is seeking $2. Cost: Invisalign costs anywhere from $3,500 to $8,500, SDC costs $1,950 and Byte costs $1,999. Smile Direct Club has an overall rating of 3. Rochelle and Andrew wanted to fix their smiles before their wedding day, so they opted for Smile Direct Club Invisible Aligners. Ripoff Report Investigates. Sale: $15 impression kit - FREE after return, plus 6 months FREE teeth whitening. In 2019, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) filed complaints with dental boards in 36 states, alleging that Smile Direct Club was practicing dentistry without a license. Oct 5, 2022. Up your teeth cleaning game. Lester Holt anchors the most-watched evening newscast in America. Date of experience: October 07, 2023. Voucher type. Smile Direct can take as little as six months and charges. 4 You. Hi, we’re SmileDirectClub. Following the investigative, SmileDirectClub released a list of changes that they were making to the company, including increased trainings, changes to their forms so customers better understand they need to visit a. SmileDirectClub represents that its at-home teeth straightening treatment is “60% less than braces and Invisalign” yet safe and effective, with each patient’s treatment plan being “prescribed, directed, and managed by a state-licensed dentist” and backed by a lifetime guarantee. The at-home kits give to straighten teeth for a fraction of the cost of braces. NEW. At least three people were injured, including one critically, after a gunman opened fire at a Tennessee SmileDirectClub, authorities said Tuesday. The Madison Metropolitan School District, a public institution funded by taxpayer dollars, paid out $40,000 plus unused sick leave to the former spokesperson, Tim LeMonds, this. Peter Rosenstein.