Attorney General's News Release

February 9, 2000

Blue Springs man who used letter jacket investments to gamble to be sentenced Thursday on stealing charges

Jefferson City, Mo. — A Blue Springs man who pleaded guilty to five felony counts of stealing in connection with an investment scam involving the resale of high school letter jackets through a phony business is scheduled to be sentenced in Division 17 of Jackson County Circuit Court in Independence at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 10.

Because Larry S. Vickers (DOB - 12/3/47) entered the plea as a prior and persistent offender, he faces up to 20 years in prison on each count and a fine of up to double the amount Vickers gained from his crimes, up to $20,000 on each count. The state also may seek to obtain restitution for the victims. Some of the victims are expected to testify at sentencing.

Vickers was indicted by a grand jury last August at the request of Attorney General Jay Nixon and charged with taking money from several Kansas City-area residents to invest in a business. The investors understood that Vickers would purchase letter jackets, sell them at a profit to high school booster clubs, then share the profits with investors. The business did not exist, and Vickers instead used the money for his personal benefit, including using it to gamble. Investors lost approximately $225,000 total.

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