Attorney General's News Release

May 16, 2003

Fenton woman arrested, charged with soliciting vehicle donations under false pretenses

Jefferson City, Mo. — A Fenton woman who allegedly solicited the charitable donation of vehicles under false pretenses was arrested Thursday (May 15) and charged with five felony counts of consumer fraud. Patricia Gallagher (DOB - 10/8/54) was indicted by a St. Louis County grand jury on the charges at the request of Attorney General Jay Nixon.

The indictment charges that, beginning in October 2001, Gallagher placed advertisements in several St. Louis-area newspapers soliciting donations to the KEYS Project, the name of a vehicle donation program operated by her former employer. The ads stated the vehicles would be renovated and given back to the needy and that donations would be tax-deductible.

Gallagher allegedly did not give the donated cars to the needy but instead sold four such vehicles, diverting the money for personal use. One account detailed in the indictment alleges that Gallagher told a consumer the car would be given to a cancer patient who needed the car to travel to doctor appointments.

Each count of consumer fraud is punishable under Missouri law by up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine. The charges against Gallagher are merely accusations; as in all criminal cases, the defendant is presumed innocent until or unless proven guilty in a court of law. Nixon said consumers can check whether a charity is registered in Missouri by going online to www.moago.org or calling the Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-392-8222.

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818