Sonoma County Miss America Pageant Spray Tanning Sponsor Disputes Fraud Allegations

SANTA ROSA, Calif. (AP) — A Miss America pageant spray tanning sponsor being investigated for fraud allegations has settled unrelated business violations.

The Press Democrat reports the attorney for Kelly Richardson, who owns a Sonoma County tanning salon, says the woman has paid $1,800 in back taxes to have her seller's permit reinstated. Richardson was previously cited for selling jewelry with a suspended permit.

Richardson has been accused of defrauding a group of women who say they paid up to $1,000 to use Richardson's tanning products at the Miss America pageant in Atlantic City. The women claim their deals were canceled and they weren't allowed to attend the event, which ended Sept. 13.

The Miss America Organization suspended Richardson's credentials as its official spray tanning partner.

Richardson's attorney says the allegations are "totally inaccurate."
 

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