After nearly a year-long investigation, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina has cleared James Whitner and his business, The Whitaker Group, of all allegations stemming from an illegal money laundering case.
In November 2023, WSOC-TV reported that James Whitner was named in a civil complaint, with nearly $1.2 million seized from Antwain Freeman, who has been close to Whitner for decades. Court documents painted a grim picture, with allegedly $32 million in transactions between a Chinese national named YG and multiple others, including Whitner and his businesses.
It was also alleged that Whitner had violated multiple contracts with sneaker companies, one of which was referred to as “an Oregon-based manufacturer,” by reselling sneakers to unauthorized parties outside of the US. However, when all these allegations came to light, The Whitaker Group and James Whitner were fully cooperative with the feds, and it’s important to note that neither James nor TWG were ever charged with any crimes.
Just before this news of the allegations being cleared, it was reported that Whitner had forfeited any claims to the $1.2 million seized at the start of this case.
The Whitaker Group’s full statement regarding this new update can be read below:
During all this, Nike stood by Whitner and TWG, continuing to collaborate on multiple projects. The most recent is the While You Were Sleeping Collection, which celebrates A Ma Maniere’s 10th anniversary. The next drop in this project is the A Ma Maniere x Air Jordan 4 While You Were Sleeping, launching on the SNKRS App on September 26 and at retailers on October 3.
Download the Sole Retriever mobile app for more updates on the latest happenings in the sneaker and streetwear world.
Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. Concerts, music, trying new restaurants, and catching the latest movies are some of the things I enjoy when not writing for Sole Retriever. Email: nick@soleretriever.com
