Raleigh photographer sued by state lawyer basic after allegedly swindling shoppers out of $750K :: WRAL.com

North Carolina’s lawyer basic is suing a Raleigh-based pictures firm that is made headlines in current months for defrauding newlywed and engaged {couples} out of a whole lot of 1000’s of {dollars}.

An investigation led by Attorney General Jeff Jackson’s workplace discovered that Holly Christina Photography failed to supply shoppers with beforehand agreed-upon companies, generally not fulfilling any work in any respect.

Christina’s enterprise drew backlash in January when a WRAL 5 On Your Side report discovered greater than 150 brides stated they have been scammed out of an estimated $540,000 after the enterprise by no means offered any companies or by no means launched the photographs that have been already taken.

After that report, Jackson’s workplace inspired brides who had unhealthy experiences to file complaints.

Jackson is suing Holly Christina Scott Ayscue, Christopher Owen Ayscue and their wedding ceremony pictures firm, Holly Christina Photography. The criticism’s allegations state that the defendants misled and defrauded brides, engaged {couples} and their households.

Since January, the Department of Justice has obtained 166 complaints from prospects alleging about $750,000 in whole monetary loss.

Additionally, the investigation discovered that not less than 24 {couples} had weddings scheduled lower than 90 days after the corporate shut down on Jan. 25 “due to unforeseen circumstances.” No help to find a brand new photographer or consideration for refunds was offered, in keeping with the state.

“This photographer left engaged couples and newlyweds stranded without a wedding photographer, without refunds and without memories from one of the most important days of their lives,” Jackson stated in a launch. “Even before they shut down, they were deceiving customers to maximize their own profit. We’re taking them to court to get justice for these brides and grooms.”

A report from the workplace stated, “The company either failed to provide all the services they promised, or they failed to do any work at all for their clients.”

The firm continued to solicit and take deposits from prospects till early January, in keeping with the lawyer basic’s workplace.

Notably, court docket information present the corporate’s co-owner, and Holly Christina’s husband, Christopher Ayscue, was arrested on an assault cost involving his spouse earlier this yr.

Of the complaints filed with the Department of Justice:

• At least 92 shoppers requested refunds on their down funds on future wedding ceremony bookings however haven’t obtained them.

• At least 38 shoppers obtained solely a sneak peek of their photographs however are nonetheless ready on the complete gallery they paid for, in addition to the movies.

• At least 35 shoppers obtained solely the uncooked pictures and movies from their wedding ceremony, with none enhancing they paid for.

•  The report additionally stated the corporate double-booked or triple-booked weddings on not less than 60 dates in numerous elements of the state or elsewhere within the nation. Two separate dates had 5 weddings scheduled.

The criticism contains Jackson searching for a preliminary injunction, a everlasting injunction, restitution for the victims, and civil penalties.

In January, 5 On Your Side’s Keely Arthur contacted a number of brides who made preparations with the corporate across the time of their closure. Most brides stated they hadn’t heard something, regardless of the enterprise saying it could attain out.