Koster files suit against Joplin landlord for price gouging

JOPLIN, MO (KMSU) - The Missouri Attorney General’s office continues to go after those trying to take advantage of victims of the tornado that tore through Joplin on May 22nd.

Attorney General Chris Koster says his office has filed suit in the Jasper County Circuit Court against a Joplin landlord for price gouging and other violations in the aftermath of the tornado.

Thirteen renters at two apartment complexes owned by David Box Jr. complained that their rent was being increased and that they were given only three days to either pay the difference or be evicted.

Koster says it appears the price increases were directly related to the storm...

"The primary reason that we're here today has to do with significant price increases that appear to us by all indications to have no bearing in his cost structure and are completely related to the storm, and, as long as the governor has the city of Joplin under an emergency declaration, that is considered price gouging by the legislature and by the governor's office," Koster said.

Koster says his office has received around 260 complaints following the Joplin tornado.

Michele Skalicky, KSMU

Posted in: Chris Koster,Joplin,price gougin