JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Attorney General Jay Nixon filed a lawsuit Friday against two Jefferson City residents accused of forming a phony athletic booster club to defraud local businesses.
The lawsuit alleges Richard Allen Norris, 63, and Alexandra Sandra Stephens, 60, scammed $5,000 from 15 area businesses and individuals over the past year by claiming to represent the Tiger Paws Booster Club.
They allegedly told businesses that donations would support athletic programs at Lincoln University. The pair also registered the bogus booster club's name with the secretary of state's office in November 2003. The suit claims Norris and Stephens used the money to pay off debts and make purchases.
Norris and Stephens could not be reached for comment.
Nixon is asking the court to order Norris and Stephens to pay back the businesses who made donations, pay a civil penalty of $1,000 and pay $500 to the Missouri Merchandising Practices and Revolving Fund, which supports consumer education and anti-fraud efforts. The lawsuit also requests the pair cover all court, investigative and prosecution costs.
Nixon's office first became aware of the alleged scam after being notified by a Lincoln University official.
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