The $10,000 Scam: 5 Shocking Facts About The Samuel Bus Service Incident That Left Cheerleaders Stranded

The incident involving Samuel Bus Service and the Kankakee Elite Cheer team is a cautionary tale of a devastating breach of contract that left a group of young athletes stranded and their parents $10,000 poorer. As of today, December 17, 2025, the story remains a high-profile example of corporate negligence and alleged fraud in the transportation industry, culminating in a federal lawsuit that seeks to hold the company and its owner accountable.

This deep dive reveals the full scope of the scandal, from the bus company’s fraudulent operation under multiple names to the legal battle that followed, ensuring the information is fresh and unique based on the latest court filings and investigative reports.

Profile: Samuel Parks, Jr. and His Bus Operations

The controversy centers on the owner of the charter company, Samuel Parks, Jr., who operated under several business names, obscuring the company's true, and often revoked, legal status. Below is a comprehensive profile of the key figure and entities involved:

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• Name: Samuel Parks, Jr. (also referred to as Samuel Parks)
• Primary Business Entity: Samuel Bus Service
• Operational Alias (used in the cheer team contract): P&J Luxury Liner (also PJ Luxury Liner)
• Location: Dolton, Illinois (Dolton, IL)
• Federal Status: The company was found to be operating without proper authorization.
• USDOT Number: 516345 (This number was associated with Samuel Parks' carrier company, which was later found to have a revoked license).
• Legal Action: Named as a defendant in a federal lawsuit filed by the cheer team's representatives.

1. The Cheer Team Paid $10,000 for a Non-Existent Trip

The Kankakee Elite Cheer team, a prestigious squad from Kankakee, Illinois, had big plans. They were scheduled to travel to Tampa, Florida, to compete in a major cheerleading tournament.

The team’s representatives signed a contract with Samuel Parks, who was operating under the name P&J Luxury Liner, for transportation services.

The full cost of the charter bus service was $10,000, which was paid in advance. This significant sum covered the round-trip journey for the young athletes and their chaperones.

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On the day of departure, the bus simply never arrived. The cheerleaders, who had worked tirelessly to raise the money, were left stranded for hours, having to sleep on the floor of a school while their prepaid Airbnb accommodations in Florida went unused.

2. The Company’s License and Insurance Were Revoked Before the Incident

The most shocking revelation from the subsequent investigation was the fraudulent nature of the bus company's operation. Samuel Bus Service, or P&J Luxury Liner, was operating illegally at the time the contract was signed and the money was paid.

A deep dive into federal and state records revealed that the company’s operating license had been revoked and its insurance had been canceled prior to the scheduled trip.

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This means Samuel Parks was allegedly selling a service he was legally unauthorized and uninsured to provide, turning a simple breach of contract into a potential case of fraud.

The company was described by investigators as having a "checkered past," suggesting a pattern of questionable business practices in the transportation sector.

3. The Stranded Team Was Saved by Community Support and a Rival Company

Despite the crushing disappointment and financial loss, the Kankakee Elite Cheer team refused to give up on their dream. The cheerleading community and local businesses rallied to support the stranded athletes.

A GoFundMe campaign was quickly launched to raise emergency funds for alternative travel and lodging.

In a display of solidarity, another bus company stepped in to provide transportation, allowing the Kankakee Elite Cheer team to finally make the long journey to Tampa, Florida. They ultimately made it to the competition, a testament to their resilience and the power of community support.

4. The Scandal Led to a Federal Lawsuit Against Samuel Parks, Jr.

The financial and emotional damages caused by the incident were not resolved with a simple refund. The parents and representatives of the Kankakee Elite Cheer team took significant legal action to recover the lost funds and seek compensation for the ordeal.

A federal lawsuit, titled Nelson v. PJ Luxury Liner, LLC et al, was filed on February 12, 2024, in the Illinois Northern District Court.

The defendants named in the case include PJ Luxury Liner, LLC, and the owner, Samuel Parks, Jr. The lawsuit seeks to recover damages for the financial loss and the severe disruption to the team’s travel plans.

This legal action underscores the seriousness of the allegations, moving the issue beyond a service dispute to a formal claim of damages against the company and its principal owner. The outcome of this case will be a key factor in determining accountability for the alleged fraudulent activity.

5. Crucial Lessons for Organizations Booking Charter Bus Services

The ordeal of the Kankakee Elite Cheer team has highlighted critical vulnerabilities in the charter bus booking process. Organizations, schools, and sports teams must take proactive steps to prevent similar scams from occurring.

Verify Operating Authority: Always check the bus company's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) status. The USDOT number is public information and can be used to verify if the company's operating authority is "Authorized" and not "Revoked" or "Out of Service."

Confirm Insurance: Demand proof of current liability insurance. Uninsured carriers pose a massive risk, not just of being stranded, but of severe financial liability in the event of an accident.

Check Multiple Names: Be wary of companies that operate under multiple different names, as this can be a tactic to obscure a poor safety record or revoked license, as was the case with Samuel Bus Service / P&J Luxury Liner.

Review Online Reputation: Search for the company name, the owner's name (Samuel Parks), and any associated business names (P&J Luxury Liner) alongside keywords like "scam," "stranded," or "complaint" to uncover any hidden history.