Judge shuts down San Fernando Valley-based firm accused of stealing nearly $50 million from consumers

SANTA ANA — A Santa Ana federal judge has permanently shut down the Growth Cave scam, a phony business opportunity and credit repair scheme that stole nearly $50 million from consumers since 2020, the Federal Trade Commission announced Wednesday.

The FTC filed suit last year against the San Fernando Valley-based operation and its leaders — Lucas Lee-Tyson, Osmany “Ozzie Blessed” Batte and Jordan Marksberry — accusing them of deceptive marketing and false income promises.

As part of the settlement...