ORLANDO, Fla. — Action 9 investigates a modeling agency that left hundreds of teenagers and their parents claiming the company ran off with their money.
As many as 200 models said they haven’t been paid anywhere from $100 to $9,000.
Angelise Cancel's modeling career seemed glamorous and on a roll. She had signed with AB FAB Management in a downtown Orlando office and went on to a dozen professional modeling jobs, but she never got paid.
“What happened?” asked Action 9's Todd Ulrich.
“I didn't know I got tricked,” said Cancel. “It's hard for me to trust people, and I trusted her.”
Jane Rooney is the state licensed talent agent who owns the company.
Cancel's mother got involved after her daughter was owed more than $1,200 and demanded answers.
“When I called for an update, she would always give me more excuses, never a payment,” said Yesica Cancel.
Action 9 found it's not just Cancel but a couple of hundred models who all felt cheated.
Maelyn Lessard said her daughter Megan modeled for AB FAB and recruited dozens of others.
“It's been hundreds of people contacting Megan, saying they have not been paid and what do we do," said Lessard.
Ulrich couldn't find Rooney at her home address or at the downtown office, where the property owner said she hadn't been in for about a month and a half.
Several families told Action 9 they filed complaints against Rooney's state license.
Florida regulations require an agency to pay models five days after collecting the client's money.
“It's been heartbreaking and devastating to her,” said Lessard.
The man who rented AB FAB office space told Ulrich he kicked the company out of the building the same day he asked questions.
Rooney has not returned Action 9's calls.
WFTV
