According to the Complaint, The GEO Group, Inc. is purportedly the first fully integrated equity real estate investment trust specializing in the design, financing, development, and operation of secure facilities, processing centers, and community reentry centers in the U.S., Australia, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. GEO Group is also purportedly a leading provider of enhanced in-custody rehabilitation, post-release support, electronic monitoring, and community-based programs. The Company’s worldwide operation include the ownership and/or management of, among other facilities, halfway houses in the U.S.

The Complaint alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and misleading statements regarding the Company’s business, operations and compliance policies. Specifically, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) GEO Group maintained woefully ineffective COVID-19 response procedures; (ii) those inadequate procedures subjected residents of the Company’s halfway houses to significant health risks; (iii) accordingly, the Company was vulnerable to significant financial and/or reputational harm; and (iv) as a result, the Company’s public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.

Defendants filed a Motion to Dismiss the Complaint on August 12, 2020. On September 30, 2020, the Court issued an Order appointing Co-Lead Plaintiffs and Counsel and partially granting Defendants' Motion to Dismiss the Complaint.

Lead Plaintiffs filed a consolidated amended Complaint on November 18, 2020. Defendants filed a Motion to Dismiss the consolidated amended Complaint on December 18. On September 23, 2021, the Court issued an Order granting in part and denying in part Defendants' Motion to Dismiss. Plaintiffs were given leave to amend the Complaint.

Lead Plaintiffs filed a consolidated second amended Complaint on October 4, 2021. Defendants filed a Motion to Dismiss the consolidated second amended Complaint on October 18. On June 21, 2022, the Court issued an Order granting in part and denying in part Defendants' Motion to Dismiss. Plaintiffs were given leave to amend the Complaint.

On May 1, 2023, the parties entered into a Stipulation and Agreement of Settlement. The Court granted preliminary approval of the Settlement on July 7. On November 17, the Court granted final approval of the Settlement, including an award of Attorneys’ Fees and Expenses, and entered Final Judgment.