[eddie1960]

It's all too common it appears after some quick googling this story popped up

Former NJ wedding photographer sentenced | 6abc.com | 6abc.com

Holton had previously admitted to taking more than $250,000 dollars from dozens of couples, then failing to deliver or even shoot their wedding photos.

"I've handled a lot of robberies in my day, and this wasn't at the point of a gun, but it was the same," said victim Tom Clarkson, who works for the Philadelphia Police Department.

Holton was also ordered to pay $188,000 in restitution, though all parties agreed Holton has no money.

There have been convictions in similar fraud cases in which the perpetrator didn't receive jail time at all. But, assistant prosecutor Andrew McDonnell said there was a big difference in this case.

"When you have 88 victims in excess of $250,000, I think that's what makes it different. It's the pattern, it's the number of victims, it's the constant excuses," said McDonnell.

Burlington County Prosecutors have some of Holton's inventory and are working to get items to victims.

[kxr4trids]

Guy was a "real" photographer. Not a great one, but not a crook, either.

My guess would be something like bride buys $3000 package, comes up a couple hundred short, photographer takes pictures anyway, despite prepay policy, and tells bride she can't see them until she pays the rest. Bride says "I don't have the money, so I want to get a smaller package, or just pay for the pics" Photog says, "Tough titty, you ordered the 3K package, you don't get to see squat until you cough up the extra 500 - I don't sell a 'pictures only' package".

Without knowing any details, I can't see any scenario that involves an active professional (in the literal sense of the word) photographer and "intent to defraud" with only one victim.

It's interesting that the judge ordered the money AND the pics. Seems to me they should get one or the other. If someone sells me a car for $2500 and doesn't deliver, the judge says I get the car and the money? I don't think so. I think the photog probably made a poorly chosen stand (or perhaps with inexpert legal advice) and pissed off the wrong judge (or jury. did he really think the average person would side with the photog?)

[ihasa]

The handing over of the pics and payment of costs and/or a fine would have seemed more appropriate. 2 years house arrest?!

[George Lama]

I would fully expect more to come out about this story. If this was the first time this happened, I doubt the judge would have been so harsh with this guy. 2 years of house arrest is no joke.