SAN JOSE, Calif. - The Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office on Thursday announced it filed charges against a man who allegedly stole thousands of dollars earmarked for quinceañera festivities.

51-year-old Juan Martin Gaspar – who is also known by the name Juan Martin Barcenas – was arraigned on Sept. 25 on seven counts of felony grand theft for allegedly taking "large fees" from at least seven families who sought his services as a quinceañera planner, according to the district attorney’s office .

Authorities said Gaspar was a "well-known planner" who operated a company named "VIP Eventss." The payments he took from families between 2023 and 2024 were meant to cover the costs of venues and food, but authorities allege the vendors never received payment from Gaspar.

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