APOPKA, Fla. — An Apopka wedding venue owner was arrested on Thursday for taking deposits from brides-to-be while he knew the business was shutting down, according to police.
The brides said the owners arrest still won't solve their problems. They are stuck with no money and no place to get married. WFTV was at Highland Manor in Apopka where the owner was arrested, but he did not go straight to jail.
When Richard Wilhelm walked into the police station, only blocks away from the wedding chapel he owned, he told police he was having a heart attack.
Eyewitnesses said he didn't appear to be having a heart attack as he walked out of the Apopka police station in handcuffs, but paramedics were called after he complained of chest pains just after he was arrested for allegedly stealing thousands of dollars from brides-to-be.
"I've never stolen anything in my life," said Wilhelm.
In May, the city of Apopka said they put Wilhelm on notice and he was being evicted from Highland Manor, a city-owned venue for weddings and receptions.
Officials said Wilhelm hadn't paid rent in nearly two years and owed $286,000. Police said Wilhelm continued to accept money from brides-to-be that totaled at least $10,000 for events.
Brides-to-be said they were giving Wilhelm money when he already knew he was being evicted. Walter Everson was one of the victims who said he told police to pursue fraud and theft charges against Wilhelm.
WFTV called and told Everson about the arrest of Wilhelm.
"I was shocked, and then a few moments later I was relieved," said Everson.
Everson and his fiance paid $6,000 to have their wedding at Highland Manor on June 18. They said they had to search to find a new venue and that's pushed the cost of their wedding to $16,000.
"This is the first part of justice, now we've got to get him into court," said Everson.
Police said as soon as doctors clear Wilhelm at the hospital he will be booked into the Apopka jail. They said they are working to track down Wilhelm's bank accounts to find any of the money they can.
WFTV
