Man Arrested for Wedding Venue Scam: Over $213,000 Stolen from 17 Couples

Wedding Venue Scam Uncovered

• 📌 A man, Carl John Butcho II, has been arrested in Austin after allegedly defrauding 12 couples by taking payments for weddings that never occurred.
• 💸 He operated under the alias "Lance Miller," posing as the manager of the Charleston Lane Wedding Venue in Willis.
• ⚠️ In total, Butcho is accused of stealing over $213,000 from 17 victims, including five who had weddings but did not receive refunds.

Victim and Professional Impact

• 💔 Couples had their special days upended, and professionals like a wedding decorator who worked for Butcho also went unpaid.
• 🎙️ The case was previously documented on a podcast called "The Wedding Scammer," hosted by Justin Sales, who spent years tracking the alleged fraud.

Justice and Recovery Efforts

• 🤝 The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office is committed to ensuring justice for the victims who placed their trust in the accused.
• ⚖️ Butcho is currently held on a $100,000 bond in Travis County, with efforts underway to bring him to Montgomery County to face charges.
• 🙏 Victims and those involved express relief at the arrest, with the hope that justice will be served and that victims may be able to recover their lost funds.