Ohio AG Sues Promoter

The Ohio Attorney General’s Office is suing a Columbus concert promoter for allegedly selling hundreds of tickets to a show that was never scheduled.

Attorney General Richard Corday’s lawsuit filed Dec. 18 accuses Manuel Torres of advertising Mexican band Los Temerarios for a Nov. 8 show at El Palenque Party House in Columbus when he knew the band wasn’t available.

The lawsuit seeks refunds for customers and penalties of $25,000 for each of the “unfair, deceptive or unconscionable acts,” according to the Columbus Dispatch.

The lawsuit claims more than 750 tickets priced from $35 to $100 were purchased in advance from local vendors and at the door.

Fans reportedly waited several hours for Los Temerarios to perform but it didn’t happen. They began asking for refunds, the paper said.

However, instead of handing out refunds the promoter allegedly called police to calm down the angry crowd.

Torres denies the scam accusations, telling WBNS-TV he signed a contract with a California promoter and thought the band would be there. He also said he intends to pay back ticket-holders.