Jason Lottman, 43, the former operator of Champagne Manor in Monroe, North Carolina, has pleaded guilty to federal wire fraud, admitting to stealing more than $1 million from couples and investors. The US Attorney's Office for the Western District of North Carolina announced the plea, which was entered on July 6.
Officials stated that Lottman engaged in a scheme from 2023 to 2025, soliciting investments by promising ownership interests and guaranteed returns, while making false statements. Concurrently, he marketed all-inclusive wedding packages that required customers to pay upfront for services such as catering and photography.
Lottman confessed to promising to pay vendors directly or reimburse customers who used their own vendors. However, he failed to make these payments, leaving customers to cover expenses they had already paid for. U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson stated, "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."
Financial Distress and False Representations
In mid-2024, Champagne Manor began facing foreclosure proceedings due to mortgage defaults. Despite knowing the venue's severe financial distress and impending closure, Lottman continued to solicit payments from clients and investors, concealing the venue's dire financial condition. The US Attorney's Office noted that Lottman made numerous false representations, including a purported glass ballroom project intended to serve as collateral for investment programs, which was never purchased.
Lottman also offered customers investment-style programs and promotional discounts with promises of future repayments or refunds that he knew he could not fulfill. When investors did not receive payments, he reportedly provided excuses for the delays.
The statutory maximum penalty for the wire fraud charge is 20 years in prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.