Florida files lawsuit after wedding venue suddenly shuts down

Operator accused of taking thousands from brides

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – A man who once ran an Orange County wedding venue is being sued by the State of Florida. 

Attorney General Pam Bondi's office filed the lawsuit against John Edward LeClair. LeClair operated The Estate Of John's Lake mansion in Oakland. Prosecutors say he took over $22,000 in deposits from at least eight couples, then shut the facility down before their weddings.

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Local 6 first reported the problem in September of 2013 when the brides-to-be say they found out with little notice they would have to find a new place to hold their weddings. LeClair told Local 6 the women would get their money back but prosecutors say that never happened. 

LeClair told customers Orange County had shut down the facility because of septic problems and noise complaints. The State Attorney's Office says no noise complaints were filed and nothing was wrong with the septic tank.

Prosecutors are now asking the court to order him to issue refunds and possible punitive damages.


About the Author

John Ambrogne is an executive producer for News 6 and has been with WKMG-TV since 2012. John graduated with a degree in broadcast journalism from Syracuse University and has covered breaking news and major events in Central Florida since 2002.

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