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Brett Favre was key investor in Prevacus. Now, MS judge rules convicted founder can travel

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Brett Favre was key investor in Prevacus. Now, MS judge rules convicted founder can travel

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The research scientist and owner of Prevacus, a Florida company that touted its miracle concussion drug, will be allowed to travel, a federal judge in Mississippi ruled.

Jacob VanLandingham, who partnered with NFL Hall of Famer and Prevacus investor Brett Favre to tout the drug, pleaded guilty in July to accepting more than $1.7 million for developing the drug from funds that were meant to help Mississippi’s neediest families, but admitted he spent the money on himself.

Following his plea, VanLandingham was allowed to remain free on a $10,000 unsecured bond. One of the conditions of his remaining free until sentencing was that he could not leave the state for any reason.

Now VanLandingham can travel within the United States as long as he obtains the consent of his probation officer, U.S. District Judge Carlton Reeves said in his order, but added another condition: The court must be notified each time VanLandingham requests and receives permission to travel.

To date, there is no record of any travel plans for VanLandingham.

At his change of plea hearing, VanLandingham said he used the Prevacus money for such things as gambling and paying off personal debt, according to court records. He will be sentenced at a later date.

Favre had hoped the drug would be an effective treatment for concussions, for others as well as himself, since he had suffered several throughout his football career.

Welfare scandal: ‘I didn’t know what TANF was’: Brett Favre testifies before Congress

Brett Favre reveals Parkinson’s diagnosis

This week Favre announced during his testimony before the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. Concussions can significantly increase the probability of developing Parkinson’s, according to the Parkinson’s Foundation.

Favre’s testimony was part of the committee’s investigation into how states are spending money intended for needy citizens.

“Sadly, I also lost an investment in a company that I believed was developing a breakthrough concussion drug I thought would help others,” Favre said. “I’m sure you’ll understand, while it’s too late for me because I’ve recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s, this is also a cause dear to my heart.”

Florida man convicted in Mississippi: Concussion drug Prevacus founder pleads guilty in welfare scandal case

What is Jacob VanLandingham accused of?

VanLandingham is one of seven people who have been charged in connection with the fraud.

VanLandingham’s role in the fraud began on or about Jan. 19, 2019, when VanLandingham, through Prevacus, entered into an agreement with the Mississippi Community Education Center, a charitable organization operated by Nancy New, who also pleaded guilty to welfare fraud.

Prevacus in total received more than double the agreed-upon $1.7 million in the six months following the signing of the agreement. Some of the funds came from Temporary Assistance for Needy Families funds from the Mississippi Department of Human Services, court documents show.

Even if the investment went toward the intended product development, the money should not have been used for that purpose.

Brett Favre: Why was the former Packers quarterback testifying to U.S. Congress about welfare funds in Mississippi?

Favre, who lives in Hattiesburg, became the subject of national public scrutiny in 2020 when the Mississippi Department of Human Services released an audit alleging more than $94 million in the state’s TANF money was misallocated.

How much money did Brett Favre get?

The audit alleges Favre received more than $1 million for speeches he did not give. Additionally, Favre allegedly was instrumental in securing $5 million to build a volleyball arena at Favre’s alma mater, the University of Southern Mississippi, where his daughter played on the volleyball team.

Favre has since returned the money for the speeches, but still owes interest on the funds, according to State Auditor Shad White. Favre has not been criminally charged in the case, but is a defendant in a civil trial.

Clarion Ledger reporter Mary Boyte contributed to this story.

Lici Beveridge is a reporter with the Hattiesburg American and Clarion Ledger. Reach her at lbeveridge@gannett.com. Follow her on X @licibev or Facebook at facebook.com/licibeveridge. 

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