The owner of a shuttered North Carolina wedding venue has admitted to stealing more than $1 million from couples and investors. Jason Lottman, 43, pleaded guilty on July 6 to defrauding customers and investors at his now-closed Champaign Manor in Monroe.
Federal prosecutors stated that Lottman marketed "all-inclusive wedding packages" to couples, requiring upfront payment for vendors such as caterers, DJs, florists, and photographers. He then failed to pay these vendors, forcing customers to pay a second time for services they had already rendered.
"In North Carolina, we don't mess with brides," said US Attorney Russ Ferguson of the Western District of North Carolina. "Weddings are once-in-a-lifetime events where individuals spend significant savings, and we will be vigilant to ensure they are not defrauded while they plan their special day."
Lottman also allegedly solicited investments for the venue by promising financial incentives and ownership interests while making false statements. Authorities said he continued to solicit payments from customers and investors even as the venue faced foreclosure proceedings in mid-2024 due to mortgage default, concealing the venue's severe financial difficulties.
The scheme to fraudulently obtain over $1 million occurred between October 2023 and January 2025, according to authorities. Lottman was arrested in January 2025 following a sting operation by the Union County Sheriff’s Office, with the FBI also involved in the investigation.
Many couples reportedly lost thousands of dollars after Champaign Manor abruptly closed, with Lottman allegedly unresponsive to their inquiries. One affected party, Mark Yarotskiy, told WCNC at the time that Lottman was "lying to our faces" and that victims were "out of money and time."
Lottman faces up to 20 years in prison. His sentencing date is yet to be determined by the court, which will consider advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.