Koster sues Branson entertainment, travel promoter

Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster filed suit against a former Branson entertainment and travel promoter alleging she engaged in misrepresentation and theft.

Former Hollister resident Donna Walker began advertising the "Red Hat Extravaganza" in April 2012, an event billed as a gathering of the Red Hat Society social organization to be held in October 2012 in Branson. According to a news release from the attorney general's office, Walker allegedly offered a lodging and entertainment package - including tickets to shows such as a George Jones concert - in exchange for payments of $499.

The suit alleges in September 2012 Walker cancelled the extravaganza and told customers they would receive refunds once deposits she made for show tickets were returned. Koster claims Walker never paid deposits for any tickets billed in the package and has not fully repaid the 40 customers of the event.

Walker, now of Louisiana, is charged with violating the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act. In the suit, Koster is seeking full refunds for the customers, a civil penalty against Walker and a permanent ban from selling or offering travel and entertainment services in Missouri, according to the release.