BREAKING: Arrest Made in Wedding Scam After Podcast Exposé
URGENT UPDATE: A major breakthrough in a high-profile wedding scam case has just occurred. Carl John Butcho, the man at the center of the true crime podcast The Wedding Scammer, was arrested by authorities in Texas after a thorough investigation. This arrest comes just after the podcast’s debut in October 2023, which highlighted Butcho’s fraudulent activities at the now-defunct wedding venue Charleston Lane.
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with the Austin Police Department, confirmed that Butcho operated under the alias Lance Miller while deceiving couples hoping to celebrate their special day at Lake Conroe in Willis, Texas. This scam has reportedly cost at least 12 couples over $200,000, leaving many devastated.
One victim, Cindy Ou, shared her heartbreaking experience. After dedicating 20 months to wedding planning and paying approximately $52,000 for her dream wedding, she found herself scrambling for alternatives when Charleston Lane abruptly shut down. “These kinds of things happen once in your lifetime. At the time, we didn’t know what to do,” Ou expressed, highlighting the emotional toll the scam took on her and other couples.
Podcast host Justin Sayles dedicated years to uncovering Butcho’s deceptive practices. “He was somebody I spent all this time looking into. I’d spoken to so many people who were wronged,” Sayles said, emphasizing the widespread impact of Butcho’s actions. His podcast not only raised awareness but ultimately contributed to the investigation leading to Butcho’s arrest.
Authorities revealed that Butcho owes at least five people about $12,000 in refunds. He is currently booked in Travis County Jail with a bond set at $100,000. The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office hopes this arrest will safeguard future couples from experiencing similar heartbreak.
As this story develops, Sayles expresses hope that public awareness will prevent Butcho from continuing his fraudulent activities. “Every single time his picture gets out there, every single time his real name gets out there, it makes it harder for him to do this in the future,” he stated.
This shocking case serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by couples planning their weddings and the ongoing fight against fraud. Follow Mo Haider on social media for the latest updates on this developing story.
