April Okita has filed a lawsuit against a California nonprofit organization, accusing it of misleading donors during a cryptocurrency fundraising campaign. The complaint was lodged on November 21, 2024, in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, against Lifespan Research Institution (LRI), formerly known as SENS Foundation. Okita claims that LRI engaged in deceptive practices by concealing critical information about the status of its Chief Science Officer, Dr. Aubrey de Grey.
The lawsuit outlines several allegations against LRI and its Board of Directors. According to Okita, the nonprofit misled her and other contributors during a July 2021 fundraising campaign by promoting Dr. de Grey's involvement while secretly planning his removal. The complaint details how Dr. de Grey had been placed on administrative leave amidst an internal power struggle within the organization but was still publicly associated with the campaign to attract donations. "SENS concealed and did not disclose the fact that Dr. de Grey’s future involvement with the research institution was in jeopardy," Okita alleges.
Okita's accusations include breach of fiduciary duty, constructive fraud, quasi-contract violations, and breaches under California Business and Professions Code section 17200 et seq. She argues that her donation of over $35,000 was made under false pretenses and would not have occurred had she been aware of the internal conflicts at SENS regarding Dr. de Grey's position.
The complaint reveals that SENS received millions from donors during this period based on assurances that Dr. de Grey would continue leading scientific research efforts aimed at combating age-related diseases. However, less than a month after collecting these funds, SENS terminated Dr. de Grey's employment without disclosing their ongoing investigation into him or his administrative leave status to donors like Okita.
In seeking relief from the court, Okita requests damages exceeding $39,750 along with injunctive relief to prevent further misuse of donated funds by LRI. She also seeks restitution for what she describes as "ill-gotten gains" obtained through deceptive practices and calls for an injunction to stop any continued fraudulent activities by LRI.
Representing April Okita is T. Steven Gregor from Gregor Law Offices located in San Diego, California. The case is being heard in front of Judge M. Arechiga under Case ID 24CEV452383.