Authorities in Union County have apprehended a local wedding venue owner, accused of orchestrating a complex fraud scheme that left multiple couples and investors financially devastated. The arrest has shed light on the alarming extent of the deception, revealing a pattern of deceit that spanned several months.

A Case That Shakes Trust in Weddings and Investments

The Arrest and Charges

On January 29, the Union County Sheriff’s Office (USCO) announced the arrest of Jason Lottmann, the 41-year-old proprietor of Champagne Manor, a popular wedding venue in Monroe, North Carolina. Lottmann faces numerous felony charges, stemming from allegations of defrauding engaged couples out of hundreds of thousands of dollars. This arrest marks a significant development in an ongoing investigation that has exposed a web of financial misconduct.The USCO's social media post detailed how detectives began probing multiple reports of fraud from distressed couples who had paid substantial sums for full-service wedding packages. These packages were supposed to cover everything from catering to floral arrangements. However, as their wedding days approached, these couples found themselves in dire straits when vendors started demanding payments for services they believed were already covered by their contracts with Lottmann.For many, this meant scrambling to salvage what was supposed to be one of the most memorable days of their lives. Some couples reported paying between $40,000 and $50,000, only to discover that Lottmann had taken their money without securing any of the promised services. The emotional and financial toll on these couples cannot be understated, leaving them not only heartbroken but also facing significant financial crises.

The Partner Program Scam

Beyond the impact on engaged couples, Lottmann's alleged fraud extended to investors who were lured into what he called the “Partner Program.” Under this scheme, Lottmann solicited large sums of money under the guise of funding venue upgrades, promising substantial returns. However, investigators uncovered that the property was already in foreclosure, making repayment impossible. Investors were left holding the bag, having poured significant capital into a venture that was doomed from the start.This dual-layered scheme highlights the sophistication and audacity of Lottmann's actions. Not only did he target vulnerable couples planning their weddings, but he also preyed on individuals looking for lucrative investment opportunities. The fallout from this scam has been far-reaching, affecting both personal and financial well-being.

The Sting Operation and Arrest

Determined to bring Lottmann to justice, detectives devised a sting operation to catch him in the act. They discovered that Lottmann was selling items purchased with stolen funds on platforms like Facebook Marketplace. Detectives posed as potential buyers and arranged to meet him at a local storage facility. During this encounter, they were able to take Lottmann into custody, effectively ending his reign of deception.Lottmann is now being held at the Union County Detention Center under a $1 million secured bond. Authorities anticipate additional criminal charges as the investigation continues to unfold. This arrest sends a clear message that such fraudulent activities will not be tolerated, and those responsible will face severe consequences.

The Human Impact

One individual, Mark Yarotskiy, shared his harrowing experience with WCNC-TV, recounting how he lost thousands of dollars after booking Champagne Manor as a venue. “He was lying to our face,” Yarotskiy said, expressing frustration over the lack of communication and accountability. “No one is able to reach him anymore. We are out of money and time.” Stories like Yarotskiy's underscore the profound impact of Lottmann's actions on real people's lives.The USCO has urged anyone who believes they may have been defrauded by Lottmann or has information about the case to come forward. By doing so, victims can contribute to the broader effort to hold Lottmann accountable for his actions. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of due diligence and transparency in business dealings, especially in industries where trust plays a crucial role.