Attorney General's News Release

December 11, 2007

Nixon obtains continuance of restraining order against Joplin promoter of canceled Godstock concert, postponed KC tattoo event

Joplin, Mo. — A temporary restraining order obtained by Attorney General Jay Nixon against a Joplin promoter who took money from vendors for events in Joplin and Kansas City that were canceled was continued today until a hearing could be held for a preliminary injunction. Jasper County Circuit Judge David Dally issued the continuance of the order against Derrick Gates (also known as Derrick Badders), promoter for the Christian music festival Godstock scheduled for September in Joplin but then canceled and a tattoo convention scheduled for this month in Kansas City that was also canceled.

Nixon obtained the order against Gates on Dec. 3, which froze the defendant’s assets and required him and fellow defendant Zachary Grimm to post a $200,000 bond with the court before advertising or taking money or merchandise for the promotion of any event. Judge Dally set a Dec. 20 date for a hearing on the Attorney General’s request for a preliminary injunction.

“The continuance issued today by the judge is significant, because it ensures that the restrictions of the temporary restraining order against the defendants remain in effect,” Nixon said. “Consumers remain protected, while we continue to hold the defendants accountable in court.”

Gates and his business, OnFire Productions, had sold concession space for Godstock but failed to provide refunds to vendors after he canceled the event, Nixon said. Four vendors who had paid between $300 and $550 to the defendants for the event had contacted the Attorney General’s Office. Nixon’s staff had been investigating those complaints about the Godstock event when they learned that Gates, using the name Derrick Badders, had been promoting the “Ink Deep Tattoo Convention” in Kansas City under the name of another business, HardNox Productions.

“Information from consumers is vital to our ongoing legal actions, so I encourage any vendors or other persons who have complaints about any of these promoted events to contact my office,” Nixon said.

Consumers can file complaints online at ago.mo.gov or can contact 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 the Press Secretary.

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