SAN ANTONIO – A San Antonio man who owns two event centers is accused of stealing more than $50,000 from customers, according to an arrest warrant affidavit.
Hector Antonio Perez, 32, was arrested Tuesday and is charged with theft, a third-degree felony.
Perez is the owner of Andreia Hall and Event Center and Leilani Event Hall, according to San Antonio police.
Customers told police that Perez sold packages to customers and failed to host the event or cancel the event, according to the affidavit.
"We were college students and trying to pay for this wedding on our own and he offered us a great price," said Jose Santos, a victim in the case.
"It was a $9,600 wedding and (Perez) gave us half-off if we paid in full cash. So, we paid $4,800, which is a lot of money," Santos said. "When we were meeting, there was someone there having an event and the tables were decorated so we thought it was legit. I would like to get that money back. Being off on our own, married with our own home, I could really use that money."
Perez allegedly told them not to worry about paying the $500 deposit until closer to the event.
The affidavit said the victims tried to get in contact with Perez to make the deposit payment, but he ignored them. Perez then allegedly told the victims the event was canceled because they hadn't made that payment, according to the arrest warrant.
Both event centers were eventually closed, according to police. The affidavit does not specify when that happened.
"Because of (Perez), it is hard to trust people now. It is hard to know what people's intentions are, so now I take a second thought when making decisions," Santos said.
"My wife and I felt at fault. My parents felt at fault because they were there with us doing the negotiating with Hector (Perez). I just want people to be careful and if you have a gut feeling about something, trust it."
Perez is also accused of posting on Facebook, telling victims to pay their remaining balances, knowing both locations had been shut down, according to the affidavit.
The arrest warrant said customers have produced receipts showing they paid Perez a total of $50,540.
Several police reports have been filed against Perez claiming similar situations, according to the affidavit.
In a statement sent to KSAT, Perez disputes the allegations made against him:
"This was a civil matter that was turned into a criminal case based on lies of people that have organized themselves with the goal of causing problems for the business as well as myself. If you would like to remain in communication with us, I would implore you to continue communication via email and not try to go to families homes or businesses as they are not part of my business and have no information to give. We are looking for a station to show the truth and show what really happened. My legal team and I have been forthcoming with all proper authorities and organizations, but no arrest was actually made the way it is being shown reported. I actually turned myself in after speaking to the DA’s office in person so that we may present our case. We have all documentation showing there was no criminal wrongdoing which will be presented in court."