FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October, 14th 2016
CONTACT: David Turner, dturner@chriskoster.com, 213-840-1464
St. Louis – Today, Eric Greitens brought his campaign to a new low. He released a negative attack ad politicizing the Joplin tornado. Attorney General Koster was on a bipartisan delegation with the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) to Israel, learning about their approach to crime on issues such as human trafficking, intellectual property, and cyber theft. The day of the tornado Attorney General Koster was meeting with the late Shimon Peres and the following day he paid his respects at Yad Vashem, the Israeli memorial to the victims of the Holocaust.
“The National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) believes it is vital for our bipartisan members to get a firsthand understanding of the important relationship between Israel and the United States,” said Jim McPherson, executive director of NAAG. “Our members approach these delegations with a heightened level of seriousness as they are meeting with top officials in Israel, such as the late Shimon Peres, learning about Israel’s approach to crime, and visiting some of the holiest places in the world.”
On the trip, other members of the delegation saw Attorney General Koster quickly change his focus to Joplin, working with his office to ensure those affected by the tornado were helped and Missourians were aware of potential scams.
“Eric’s malicious and false attack just proves he has no substance to run on, and cares little about bringing together the people of this state,” said David Turner, a campaign spokesman. “Attorney General Koster returned from a trip to Israel as part of a bipartisan delegation of state Attorneys General from across the country as soon as possible. He directed his office’s efforts in the wake of the tragedy while enroute back to Missouri. In fact, he was on the phone from Israel directing his office to send investigators to Joplin to assist in aiding victims and preemptively prevent any scammers or price gouging of those affected by the disaster.”
“Eric Greitens should apologize to the people of Joplin for trying to make one of the most devastating tornadoes in history into a political football and take down this disgusting ad. This makes it clear: Eric is willing to do or say anything as long as it helps Eric.”
Background
- Attorney General Koster sued 13 companies, recouping at least $167,786.12 for the residents of Joplin and sent scammers to jail.
- Attorney General Koster held multiple public events, meeting with families, small business owners and community leaders to help bring back Joplin stronger than ever.
- Joplin Fire Chief Mitch Randles asked “non-essential persons to stay away” unless they had residences in Joplin during the initial days after the tornado due to constant rain complicating efforts.
- U.S. Representative Billy Long and U.S. Senator Roy Blunt did not tour Joplin until May 24, less than 36 hours before Attorney General Koster arrived.
|
Defendant |
Outcome |
Source |
|
Clark Baxter, Sustainable Design, Inc. |
$26,000 |
[AGO, 9/30/14] [AGO, 5/16/13] |
|
Alivio Foundation, Inc. |
$8,980.74 |
[AGO, 10/19/11] [AGO, 12/19/11] |
|
Insurexx, Jeffrey Wolfson And Gloria Diane Schoeller |
Schoeller Paid $24,000 and Wolfson Sentenced 13 Years To Prison |
|
|
Charlies Eminger, Superior Construction |
“Eminger will pay a $750 fine plus restitution to all of the victims.” |
[AGO, 1/30/12] [St. Louis Business Journal, 1/30/12] |
|
David Box Jr, Joplin Landlord |
$5,000 civil penalty and all court costs |
[AGO, 6/13/11] [AGO, 10/11/11] |
|
Georgia Triangle Broadcasting |
$13,000 in civil penalties and $10,400 attorneys’ costs |
[AGO, 6/6/11] |
|
Urban Metropolitan Development, LLC |
“Five counts of violating the prevailing wage law and received the maximum fine of $500 for each count. In addition, UMD agreed to pay $2,500 in civil penalties to the State Schools Moneys Fund.” |
|
|
E. Brian Sides, ABP Quality Construction, Inc. |
$28,955.38 |
|
|
Four Seasons Roofing |
[AGO, 7/27/12] |
|
|
Northland Tow Service, LLC |
Temporary restraining order |
[AGO, 7/8/11] |
|
Independence Tow & Recovery, Inc |
Temporary restraining order |
[AGO, 6/10/11] |
|
Sidney Ray-Bazan, Relief Spark |
$39,200 |
[AGO, 3/5/14] |
|
William Pittman, Precision Contracting and Roofing and CWRP, LLC. |
$4,500 in restitution to consumers who were harmed and a $2,000 penalty to the state |
[AGO, 4/13/12] |
KOSTER WAS UNABLE TO USE THE MISSOURI HIGHWAY PATROL PLANE, HIS USE OF THE JEFFERSON CITY FLYING SERVICE HAD BEEN APPROVED
Koster’s Use Of A Non-State Plane Had Been Approved Because The Highway Patrol Plane Was Being Used. “Use of a state plane was needed on May 26 for Attorney General Chris Koster, Matt Dameron, Rhonda Meyer, Nanci Gonder, And Joan Gummels for travel to Joplin to tour tornado damaged areas and talk to victims regarding consumer protection fraud and price gouging awareness. Due to the Highway Patrol King Air being unavailable, a King Air was secured from Jefferson Flying Service at a higher rate per hour.” [AGO Letter, 6/1/11]
JOPLIN FIRE HAD ASKED THAT “NON-ESSENTIAL PERSONS TO STAY AWAY UNLESS THEY HAD RESIDENCES” IN THE DISASTER AREA
Joplin Fire Had Requested That “Non-Essential Persons To Stay Away” So That First Responders Could Do Their Search And Rescue Work. “The damage area on Monday was clogged with tourists driving through to take pictures, and Joplin Fire Chief Mitch Randles asked non-essential persons to stay away unless they had residences there. ‘We need sightseers to stay out of town,’ Randles said. ‘If you don’t live here and aren’t going to your home, you need to stay away.’” [Daily Reporter, 5/24/11]
Daily Reporter: “Rohr Said Constant Rain Has Hindered Search And Rescue Operations, But That Crews Will Continue To Work Throughout The Night To Locate Survivors.” “There are at least 116 deaths related to the tornado that ripped through Joplin Sunday night, and search teams on Monday rescued and additional seven people who were buried in debris. Joplin City Manager R. Mark Rohr confirmed the deaths at a press conference with Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon and other officials Monday afternoon at the city’s National Guard armory. The tornado is the single deadliest in the United States since 1899, when a tornado in Flint, Mich., killed 117 people, and officials said they expect to find more bodies. The National Weather Service has given the twister a preliminary EF4 rating. Rohr said constant rain has hindered search and rescue operations, but that crews will continue to work throughout the night to locate survivors. So far, 48 different agencies and 450 personnel, including first responders, state police and National Guard troops have converged on the city. With severe weather predicted through Wednesday, Rohr said, rescue personnel were preparing for a difficult task. ‘We know our city is strong,’ Rohr said. ‘We’re a city of neighbors.’” [Daily Reporter, 5/24/11]
KOSTER WAS IN ISRAEL AS PART OF A BIPARTISAN GROUP OF ATTORNEYS GENERAL “AIMED TO FACILITATE THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S UNDERSTANDING OF THE ISRAELI GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE AND THE HISTORIC RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE US AND ISRAEL.”
Koster Was One Of Ten Attorneys Generals Who Took Trip To Israel “Aimed To Facilitate The A-G’s Understanding Of The Israeli Government Structure And The Historic Relationship Between The US And Israel.” Attorneys Generals from 10 US States wrapped up a five-day visit to Israel on Tuesday. During their visit, the A-Gs of Missouri, Colorado, Florida, Montana, Rhode Island, New Mexico, Georgia, Oklahoma, Alabama and Wisconsin, toured the country and met with top-level officials from the political and legal sectors. The Jerusalem Post heard impressions from Missouri A-G Chris Koster and Colorado AG John W. Suthers. The visit, co-sponsored by the America-Israel Friendship League, the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) and the Foreign Ministry aimed to facilitate the A-G’s understanding of the Israeli government structure and the historic relationship between the US and Israel.” [Jerusalem Post, 5/26/11]
Jerusalem Post: “Koster Said That While He Enjoyed His Visit To Israel, He Was Eager To Return To Missouri To Help Tackle The Aftermath Of The Tragic Tornadoes That Hit The State.” [Jerusalem Post, 5/26/11]
MAY 22 – THE DAY OF THE TORNADO, KOSTER WAS IN ISRAEL MEETING WITH THE PRESIDENT OF ISRAEL, SHIMON PERES
May 22 – Koster Met With Shimon Peres And The Deputy Director Of Israel. [Koster AGO Schedule, 5/22/11]
MAY 23 – KOSTER ISSUED WARNING ABOUT SCAMMERS AFTER TORNADO AND SENT INVESTIGATORS TO JOPLIN – PAID RESPECTS AT YAD VASHEM MEMORIAL AND MET WITH ISRAELI MINISTERS
Koster Paid His Respects At Yad Vashem, Had Meetings With Met With Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon, Intelligence Minister Dan Meridor, And M.K David Rotem of the Knesset. [Koster AGO Schedule, 5/24/11]
VIDEO: The Day After The Tornado, From Israel, Koster Was Explaining What His Office Was Doing To Preemptively Prevent Scammers From Taking Advantage Of Victims Of The Joplin Tornado.
Reporter: And we are just getting word that the Missouri Attorney General’s office is sending investigators to Joplin to check for price gouging for that tornado leveled part of that Missouri city. So we have the Attorney General on the phone with us, Chris Koster, to talk about what is happening and it’s hard to believe, Chris, or actually maybe not that people are taking advantage of others during this time of need. Amazing.
CK: Well we don’t have any information yet that this is occurring but with events such as this, it does tend to occur around the country and we want to be on top of this and in front of the situation, so we’re doing two things. First, we’re putting a warning of concern out into the public specifically to retailers, to make sure that nobody gets tempted to engage in this type of activity and second, we’re sending investigators down to Joplin to be there to take in complaints and concerns firsthand and to investigate them immediately and on the spot.
Reporter: So the investigators have been sent not because complaints have come in. This is just precautionary, is that right- move?
CK: Right. Back- you know, the first time I saw this was back when I was Prosecutor in, in Cass County in the wake of 9/11 and gas prices, for example, shot up at- that afternoon to $5 1/2 a gallon, from $2 1/2 a gallon. These types of big instances- and create artificial price shocks where they are not merited. We want to make sure that on- for emergency goods, plywood, water, diapers, the types of things that people are going to need immediately for their families and the maintenance of their families that prices remain stable and that’s why we’re putting our folks on the ground.
Reporter: If folks down there in Joplin see price gouging, what should they do?
CK: If price- if people are concerned that price gouging is occurring, then they should call our office at 1-800-392-8222. Again, that’s 1-800-392-8222. That’s a Jefferson City number. We’ll transmit the information to our investigators on the ground and begin to launch an inquiry immediately.
Reporter: And do you think that your guys’, your investigators will come back with some reports of this happening?
CK: Our hope is not. Our hope is that by taking a preemptive step against this and warning retailers to make sure that, you know, everybody knows it’s going to take everybody bonding together. Everybody’s going to have to work together in order to get through the next several weeks and months down in the Joplin area. And there’s no room for anybody to be taking advantage of folks in need, our neighbors in need down in Jasper County.
Reporter: Let’s hope that that’s the case, that people won’t be taking advantage of the storm victims. Chris Koster, thank you so much, the Missouri Attorney General for us. And here’s the number again if you know of anyone who may be price gouging. You can call this number. It is 1-800-392-8222. And, you know, the penalties there involved with price gouging could be a fine of $1,000 per violation. We’ll be right back. [KSHB, 5/23/11]
AGO Press Release: AG Chris Koster Issues Warning On Price-Gouging — AG’s Office Ready To Investigate Any Price-Gouging Allegations; Consumers Can Call 1-800-392-8222 With Complaints.” “Attorney General Chris Koster today warned individuals and businesses against price-gouging following the devastating tornado in Joplin. ‘Missouri law is clear – price gouging is illegal and the Attorney General’s Office will investigate and prosecute instances of price-gouging to the full extent of the law,’ Koster said. ‘The unimaginable disaster in Joplin will take everyone working together to recover. There is no room for anyone to try to take advantage of tornado victims in need.’ Koster’s office is sending investigators to the area to monitor for price-gouging and to examine any allegations on-site. The Attorney General urged any person who believes a business has suddenly and artificially raised the prices on necessities including gas, food, diapers, clean-up equipment, etc., should contact his office at 1-800-392-8222 or online to file the complaint. Koster said those who violate price-gouging laws can face penalties of up to $1,000 per violation.” [AGO, 5/23/11]
AP: The Missouri Attorney General’s Office Is Sending Investigators To Joplin To Check For Price-Gouging After A Tornado Leveled A Swath Of The Southwestern Missouri City.” “The Missouri attorney general’s office is sending investigators to Joplin to check for price-gouging after a tornado leveled a swath of the southwestern Missouri city. The attorney general’s office said Monday that investigators were sent to Joplin to monitor any price gouging. People who believe a business has artificially raised the prices for necessities such as gas, food and diapers can contact the attorney general’s office at 1-800-392-8222 or file a complaint at http://www.ago.mo.gov. The attorney general’s office says people who violate price-gouging laws can face penalties of up to $1,000 per violation. Attorney General Chris Koster says recovering from the deadly tornado will require that everyone work together, and people should not try to take advantage of storm victims.” [AP, 5/23/11]
MAY 24th – KOSTER TOURED HOLY SITES OF ISRAEL AND ISSUED ANOTHER PRESS RELEASE URGING MISSOURIANS TO “GIVE WISELY IN WAKE OF TORNADO” — KOSTER WAS IN CLOSE CONTACT WITH HIS STAFF ON THE GROUND
Koster Toured Holy Sites Of Israel. [AGO Schedule, 5/24/11]
Koster Issued Press Release Warning Missourians About Charity Scams In Response To Tornado’s. “Attorney General Chris Koster today warned Missourians to be aware of disaster-relief scams in the aftermath of the tornado that devastated Joplin on Sunday. ‘Unfortunately, there are people who see opportunity in disaster,’ Koster said. ‘Scam artists will show up, pose as charities, and fraudulently solicit donations from people who are anxious to help those in need.’ Koster advises Missourians to be cautious of anyone wanting on-the-spot donations or refusing to provide written, verifiable information about the charitable organization represented. He also said to use a credit card or check for donating so that you have a record of the expense. In addition, Koster urges Missourians to use Check-a-Charity on the Attorney General’s website at http://www.ago.mo.gov/ to make sure the charity you are considering uses your generous donation wisely. The site lists viable charities and provides information about how much of a charity’s donated money actually goes to the cause as opposed to administrative expenses. Koster said those wishing to make donations to help the Joplin relief effort can feel safe doing so through established charitable organizations that are already working on the ground in Joplin such as: American Red Cross (http://www.redcross.org/), Salvation Army (http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/www_usn_2.nsf) and Southern Baptist Disaster Relief (http://www.namb.net/disaster-relief-donations/).” [AGO Press Release, 5/24/11]
MAY 25th – KOSTER FLEW BACK TO MISSOURI AND IMMEDIATELY TAPED PSA WARNING ABOUT TORNADO SCAMMERS
Koster Returned To Missouri On The May 25, Immediately did PSA For Tornado Scammers [AGO Schedule, 5/25/11]
MAY 26th – KOSTER VISITED AND TOURED JOPLIN DISASTER
AP Headline: “Missouri Officials Offer State Help To Tornado Victims.” [AP, 5/26/11]
Koster Visited Joplin On The 26th, Saying He Was In Israel When The Tornado Hit And That, “The Whole World Is Behind Joplin.” “Attorney General Chris Koster says the whole world is behind Joplin. He was in Israel when the tornado hit, and an Israeli state official offered Koster his prayers of concern. Koster urged caution about scammers who might be going to door to door offering cleanup for an upfront fee. A memorial and prayer service is planned for 2 p.m. Sunday at an auditorium on the Missouri Southern campus.” [AP, 5/26/11; Video Clip]
Koster Visited And Toured Joplin After Tornado. [AGO Consumer Alert Video, 5/26/11]
MAY 27TH: KOSTER ISSUED ANOTHER PRESS RELEASE WARNING MISSOURIANS ABOUT SCAMMERS AFTER TORNADO
AGO Press Release: “Attorney General Koster Reminds Missourians To Give Wisely Following Tornado In Sedalia.” “Attorney General Chris Koster today warned Missourians to be aware of disaster-relief scams in the aftermath of the tornado that hit Sedalia Wednesday. Unfortunately, there are people who see opportunity in disaster, Koster said. Scam artists will show up, pose as charities, and fraudulently solicit donations from people who are anxious to help those in need. Koster advises Missourians to be cautious of anyone wanting on-the-spot donations or refusing to provide written, verifiable information about the charitable organization represented. He also said to use a credit card or check for donating so that you have a record of the expense. In addition, Koster urges Missourians to use Check-a-Charity on the Attorney Generals website at http://ago.mo.gov to make sure the charity you are considering uses your generous donation wisely. The site lists viable charities and provides information about how much of a charitys donated money actually goes to the cause as opposed to administrative expenses. Koster said those wishing to make donations to help the Joplin relief effort can feel safe doing so through established charitable organizations that are already working on the ground in Sedalia such as the American Red Cross (http://www.redcross.org/).” [AGO Press Release, 5/27/11]
JUNE 1st – KOSTER OPENED UP A MOBILE OFFICE IN JOPLIN
Carthage Press Headline: “Missouri Attorney General To Open Joplin ‘Mobile Office.’” [Carthage Press, 6/1/11]
Carthage Press: “Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster Said Today His Office Will Open A Joplin Site On Monday That Will Provide Mortgage-Counseling Assistance To Individuals, As Well As Monitor And Investigate Consumer Fraud. The Mobile Office Will Be Located At The Red Cross Shelter On The Missouri Southern State University Campus.” Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster said today his office will open a Joplin site on Monday that will provide mortgage-counseling assistance to individuals, as well as monitor and investigate consumer fraud. The mobile office will be located at the Red Cross Shelter on the Missouri Southern State University campus. Koster said assistant attorneys general and investigators will staff the mobile office from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday, so long as the need exists for information and assistance. The attorney general’s staff will be available to assist people who have suffered property losses associated with the Joplin catastrophe and needing help in communicating with banks in working through the crisis. Individuals can also receive the assistance through the attorney general’s consumer hotline at 800-392-8222. ‘Hundreds of Joplin homeowners have lost their homes. Many have lost their jobs. The attorney general’s office will be there to assist them in navigating through the territory of making mortgage payments while waiting on their insurance checks or waiting for their employer to be back in business,” Koster said. “My office will use our expertise in consumer and legal issues to help our neighbors, one-on-one.’ Koster said people with questions or concerns about other consumer issues, including price gouging, identity theft, and contractor or debris-removal scams also can get personal assistance through the mobile office or the hotline. The attorney general said his office has investigators in Joplin to monitor and investigate any allegations of scams. ‘The same devastation that brought out the best in people willing to do anything they can to help, also brings out people who will prey on victims,’ Koster said. ‘The attorney general’s office will be aggressive in monitoring for scams and price gouging, and in prosecuting those who engage in this illegal behavior.”” [Carthage Press, 6/1/11]
JUNE 6th – KOSTER MET WITH BANKERS ABOUT JOPLIN REBUILD
Koster Met With “Leaders Of Major Banks, Loan Servicers And Insurers Monday In Jefferson City To Discuss Ways To Help Joplin Consumers With Mortgage And Credit Issues Caused By The May 22 Tornado.” “Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster met with leaders of major banks, loan servicers and insurers Monday in Jefferson City to discuss ways to help Joplin consumers with mortgage and credit issues caused by the May 22 tornado. ‘The next few months are going to be a critical time in the financial lives of many Joplin residents,’ Koster said in a statement. “The purpose of the meeting is to address possible solutions for helping these residents with the mortgage and credit issues that are sure to arise.’ Koster said he hopes the session will lead to some uniform solutions for Joplin residents who are mortgage customers of a variety of banks. Those in attendance at Monday’s meeting included representatives from Citi, Bank of America, GMAC Mortgage, UMB, U.S. Bank, Commerce Bank, Missouri Bankers’ Association, Central Mortgage, JPMorgan Chase, Arvest, Shelter Insurance, Wells Fargo and Freddie Mac.” [St. Louis Business Journal, 6/6/11]
LEADERS IN BOTH PARTIES WORKED TO HELP MISSOURIANS AFFECTED BY THE TORNADO, GARNERING BIPARTISAN PRAISE
Gov. Nixon And His Administration Had Drawn “Bipartisan Praise” For Joplin Response. “But overall, the administration’s record in responding to the Joplin tragedy and other emergencies has drawn bipartisan praise. As the Nov. 6 election nears, Nixon’s attention to stricken areas, along with his rural roots and fiscal conservative image, helps explain why the Democratic governor may defy the state’s strong Republican trend. Polls have shown Nixon consistently leading his challenger, Republican businessman Dave Spence of St. Louis. The disasters put Nixon center-stage in combat boots and a hard hat, showcasing his ‘We-can-get-this-done-together’ maxim that has become the underpinning of his re-election campaign and is the theme of one of his latest television ads. ‘We are the toughest people in God’s green earth,’ Nixon told a roomful of supporters gathered for a political pep rally this month in Cameron in northwestern Missouri.” [St. Louis Post-Dispatch, 10/24/12]
US Sen. Claire Mccaskill (D): “Joplin ‘Showing Us What A Comeback Looks Like’” [Claire McCaskill, 5/21/12]
US Sen. Roy Blunt Had Praised Joplin Response And Rebuild. “U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (Mo.) released the following statement today marking the first anniversary of the devastating Joplin, Mo. tornado: ‘In the aftermath of this disaster, we’ve witnessed remarkable rebuilding and recovery efforts in Joplin thanks to the tireless work of local and federal officials as well as the generosity of countless volunteers. While there’s still more work to be done, Missourians have always shown extraordinary resilience and fortitude in the face of a challenge. I continue to join the families, job creators, and community leaders who are working not only to restore what was lost in this region, but to create new opportunities that will resonate in the years to come.” [Roy Blunt, 5/22/12]
US Rep. Billy Long (R): “I Was Humbled By The Outpouring Of Help Offered By Families In Our District, In Our State, And In Our Country. The Eyes Of The World Were Watching And We Showed What It Means To Help Your Neighbors In Their Greatest Time Of Need.” [Rep. Bill Long Statement, 5/30/12]
US Rep. Lacy Clay (D) Had Praised Rep. Billy Long (R) After Tornado Saying, “Delegation All Rallied Around Long After The Joplin Tornado Hit, And He Was Impressed With How Long Handled The Disaster.” “Rep. William Lacy Clay, D-St. Louis, said Long has also made a good impression within the Missouri delegation. ‘He’s very open and speaks his mind,’ Clay said. ‘He’s not a button-up kind of guy,’ he added, referring to Long’s habit of leaving his ties loose at the neck, as well as his easy-going personality. Clay said the delegation all rallied around Long after the Joplin tornado hit, and he was impressed with how Long handled the disaster. ‘It was a lot heaped onto a freshman,’ Clay said. ‘But you could see him right before our eyes grow into his job and grow into his responsibility.’” [Gannett, 11/15/11]
