Settlement resolves fraud scheme targeting local firefighters

Attorney General Chris Koster’s office has reached a settlement requiring an Oklahoma man to fully reimburse Missourians who bought into a beef jerky vending franchise that the salesman claimed would donate partial proceeds to charities.

James Adam Jenkins, owner of BK Premium Products, allegedly sold the vending franchise kits for $2,500 apiece, and said 25 percent was to go to one of two charities. Jenkins mainly sold the franchises to firefighters in Springfield and St. Louis, according to a news release.

“I know that many Missourians have placed money in these types of canisters with full confidence that their donations were going to charitable organizations,” Koster said in the release. “It is contemptible that anyone would defraud others in the name of charity, and this office will go after those who do.”

The settlement resolves allegations that Jenkins neither delivered the materials to operate the beef jerky franchise nor donated any money to charity. Under the settlement, Jenkins must provide a full refund to anyone who requests it. He also is required to make quarterly reports through the end of 2013 to the attorney general's office listing total sales, donations and the charities receiving donations, the release said.[[In-content Ad]]