Attorney General's News Release

March 22, 2000

Nixon files second set of criminal charges against Oklahoma alarm system salesman in Laclede County

Jefferson City, Mo. — Attorney General Jay Nixon today filed criminal charges in Laclede County against an alarm systems salesman, alleging that he falsely told elderly Missourians they would be eligible for a government or tax rebate in excess of 90 percent of the purchase price of the system. The price of the system in some cases exceeded $4,000.

Walter R. Zitlow (DOB - 8/30/47) faces three counts of unlawful merchandising practices in Laclede County; earlier this year, Nixon charged Zitlow with three counts of the same charge in Callaway County.

Zitlow is a salesman for Alarm Professional Services (APS), of Oklahoma City. Nixon filed a civil lawsuit in Phelps County in February against APS; the company's director, Gary D. Richardson; and Zitlow.

The criminal complaints and the civil lawsuit both allege that Zitlow falsely told some elderly consumers who purchased the systems which contained a medical alert feature that because they were under medical care or had a medical condition, they would receive rebates in excess of 90 percent of the purchase price from Medicare or a Medicare-like agency or as a tax rebate.

The civil lawsuit seeks restitution for consumers who may have been defrauded, as well as appropriate penalties and investigative and legal costs from the defendants. Nixon also is seeking injunctions against the defendants.

Unlawful merchandising practices is a class D felony under Missouri law, punishable by up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. The charges against Zitlow are merely accusations; as in all criminal cases, the defendant is presumed innocent until or unless proven guilty in a court of law.

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