TALLAHASSEE - Florida Attorney General Charlie Crist announced settlements Wednesday with two leasing companies connected to the NorVergence scandal.

Wells Fargo Financial Leasing and U.S. Bancorp have agreed to release all Florida customers from their financial obligations and to forgive all late fees and penalties.

Last summer, the Action News Investigators exposed how NorVergence leased phone and computer equipment to hundreds of bay area small businesses, then sold the leases before going bankrupt.

The businesses were left with no phone service and bills totaling tens of thousands of dollars.

"Hundreds of Florida small business owners were victimized by NorVergence's bogus promises, and then suffered again when leasing companies tried to collect for services the customers were not receiving," Crist said in announcing the settlement. "We are pleased that these two companies have recognized that the customers should not be penalized any further for the dubious actions of another."

Crist's office last month also reached a settlement with Patriot Leasing Company, Inc., while NorVergence-related litigation continues with at least 10 other leasing companies.

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