A North Carolina wedding venue owner is charged with operating an investment scheme and stealing from engaged couples.#North Carolina #Monroe, North Carolina #News #Crime
MONROE, NCEWhen police discovered a massive fraud scheme involving a Union County, North Carolina wedding venue, engaged couples who were looking forward to their ideal nuptials were crushed. According to reports, the proprietor of Champagne Manor, a once-promising Monroe venue, embezzled hundreds of thousands of dollars from couples, depriving them of services and reimbursements. As couples learned that their reservations had been canceled, their money had disappeared, and their wonderful day had been a costly delusion, the startling swindle came to light.
Owner Faces Serious Charges
Jason Lottmann, 41, has been accused with obtaining property under false pretenses and now risks severe legal repercussions.
According to booking records, the charges are related to his ownership of Champagne Manor.
Upon learning that the venue had filed for bankruptcy, couples who had paid between $40,000 and $50,000 for full-service wedding packages were taken by surprise.
According to authorities, the extent of the scam is still being investigated, and as more victims come forward, additional charges are probably going to be brought.
Fraud Uncovered Through Vendor Demands
When the Union County Sheriff’s Office received accusations of fraudulent activities in December, the investigation got underway.
Vendors contacted couples who were already getting ready for their wedding and demanded money for services they thought had been paid for in advance. Upon contacting Lottmann, they learned that their money had never been utilized to obtain the required services.
Rather, their money was gone.
Authorities discovered that Lottmann was operating a bogus investment business in addition to scamming couples.
He asked investors for substantial sums of money through a program he called the Partner Program, promising them significant returns to help pay for venue improvements. Investors were unaware that Lottmann could not fulfill his promises because Champagne Manor was already in foreclosure.
Investigators found that Lottmann kept accepting money from gullible investors and couples despite his growing financial difficulties.
Arrested During a Sting Operation
Detectives staged a sting operation to meet Lottmann while he was ostensibly buying things he had stolen, which ultimately led to his demise. He was arrested as a result of the meeting and is currently being held at the Union County Detention Center on a $1 million bond.
According to court documents, his court date is set for February 17.
Emotional Toll on Couples
After spending $30,000 to reserve their wedding date at Champagne Manor, one couple revealed their heartbreak.
Lottmann emailed them to let them know that the venue had entered foreclosure and that he was allegedly working on refunds. The soon-to-be bride spoke of shock and bewilderment when she first heard the truth.
History of Legal Complaints
Due to numerous complaints against the company, Champagne Manor receives the lowest possible rating from the Better Business Bureau.
Couples have recently complained about being left without venues, unresponsive messages, and no refunds. One person accused Lottmann of blatantly stealing $12,000 that they had paid the day before Lottmann filed for bankruptcy. Others talked of the disappointment of postponed events and fruitless efforts to get their money back.
Legal Fallout and Possible Restitution
The start of what may be a protracted court battle is Lottmann’s arrest.
He has already been sued, and more will probably follow as couples look for restitution and justice. Authorities caution that the probe is ongoing and could uncover additional financial misconduct, as many victims are still holding out hope for their savings to be restored.
Associated Topics: North Carolina Crime
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