Pageant tanning sponsor stirs controversy

The official tan sponsor for the Miss America Pageant is in hot water.

In March, B. Bronz owner, Kelly Richardson, solicited tanning technicians to be a part of her Miss America spray tan team.

Contracts were signed and nonrefundable deposits of $500 and up were collected.

The week that technicians were supposed to head to Atlantic City, B. Bronz told some that they were no longer allowed to participate.

Richardson told Chasing News over the phone that those people either didn't complete the proper paperwork or simply resigned.

One prospective team member said B. Bronz never reached out to her.

After hearing they wouldn't be receiving their deposits back, some of the technicians were upset and contacted one another.

Turns out, some had similar stories and began digging.

The Trentonian newspaper published a front-page story revealing that Richardson has a criminal record, with convictions including burglary, identity theft, and counterfeiting.

"On a personal level, the choices that I made as a young person don't define who I am today," Richardson told the Associated Press.

Miss America Pageant organizers said they are looking into the matter and B. Bronz's credentials have been suspended pending the investigation.

Richardson said that those who deserve refunds will receive them.