Popular North Carolina Wedding Venue Owner Pleads Guilty to $1 Million Wire Fraud Scheme

The former owner of a popular wedding venue in Union County has pleaded guilty to federal wire fraud after prosecutors said he defrauded customers and investors out of more than $1 million.

Jason Lottman, 43, of Charlotte, pleaded guilty July 6 in federal court to one count of wire fraud, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of North Carolina.

Lottman formerly owned Champagne Manor, a wedding venue in Monroe.

"In North Carolina, we don't mess with brides," U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson said in a statement. "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."

According to court documents, Lottman orchestrated the fraud scheme between October 2023 and January 2025. Prosecutors said he solicited investments in Champagne Manor by promising ownership interests, guaranteed returns and other financial incentives while making false representations to obtain money from investors.

Federal prosecutors also said Lottman sold all-inclusive wedding packages that required couples to pay upfront for services such as catering, photography, floral arrangements, DJs and hair and makeup. Instead of paying those vendors as promised, prosecutors said Lottman failed to do so, forcing customers to pay for services a second time.

Authorities said Champagne Manor defaulted on its mortgage in mid-2024 and entered foreclosure proceedings. Despite knowing the business was in severe financial distress and would eventually close, prosecutors said Lottman continued accepting money from customers and investors without disclosing the venue's financial condition.

Court records state Lottman falsely claimed the business was purchasing a glass ballroom that would serve as collateral for certain investment programs, though the purchase never occurred. He also allegedly promised refunds and investment-style returns he knew he could not provide and repeatedly offered false explanations when payments failed to materialize.

Wire fraud carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not been scheduled. The sentence will be determined by the court after considering the advisory federal sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Frick.