Attorney General's News Release

September 27, 2002

Former Springfield insurance agent given seven years after pleading guilty to defrauding investors of $500,000

Springfield, Mo. — Greene County Circuit Judge Calvin Holden today sentenced former Springfield insurance agent Roy G. Harris to seven years in prison for defrauding several investors of approximately $500,000. Harris (DOB - 8/12/64) pleaded guilty in July to one count of securities fraud, one count of stealing and four counts of unlawful merchandising practices brought by Attorney General Jay Nixon.

Nixon filed charges against Harris in March 2001, alleging he misrepresented to several clients that their money was used for investments such as stocks, viaticals, annuities, IRAs and telephone equipment when the money actually was diverted for Harris' personal use. The fraud occurred over a period from April 1998 to March 2000.

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