JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Today, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey filed charges against Reed K. Arnold and Hillary N. Deckard for allegedly defrauding consumers in connection with their business, Queen City Rod & Custom. Reed and Arnold face eighteen total felony counts, including charges for stealing, financial exploitation of an elderly person, and deceptive business practices for defrauding consumers and financially exploiting Missourians in Greene County.
“As Attorney General, I will enforce the laws as written and defend Missourians from being ripped off,” said Attorney General Bailey. “My Consumer Protection Unit thoroughly investigates complaints of fraud and takes swift action whenever we find enough evidence to move forward. Our aim is not only to hold bad actors accountable, but to deliver full restitution to all affected.”
The charges allege that between September of 2021 and January of 2024, Arnold and Deckard’s business falsely promised to engage in automotive repair and restoration work for consumers in exchange for upfront payments. Once paid, Arnold and Deckard would perform negligible work on the vehicles, and in some cases no work at all, while maintaining possession of the victim’s vehicles for extended periods of time. This resulted in incredible inconveniences to their customers.
“I encourage Missourians to file a complaint with my office if they think they’ve been scammed,” said Attorney General Bailey. “Start by calling our Consumer Protection hotline at (800) 392-8222 or by submitting a complaint online at ago.mo.gov.”
Attorney General Bailey reminds the public that charges against the defendants are allegations and, as in all criminal cases, the defendants are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty in a court of law.
The charges against Deckard can be read here.
The charges against Arnold can be read here.