Mo. AG gets court order against Joplin landlord

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - Attorney General Chris Koster says a Joplin landlord has been ordered to reimburse tenants whose rent was increased after a devastating tornado.

Koster said Tuesday that the consent judgment applies to David Box Jr., who operates Northside Apartments and Classic Townhouses.

After the May 22 tornado, Box notified some tenants that rents were being raised and gave them three days to respond.

The court order requires Box to pay restitution to tenants and send them apology letters. He also is to pay a $5,000 civil penalty to the state.