A 60-year-old Port Richey woman, Cheryl Wehlau, previously convicted in a multi-million-dollar escrow fraud case, has resurfaced in Hernando County under a different name and is now promoting a major festival. Wehlau, along with her then-husband John Wehlau, was convicted in 2018 of operating an escrow business without a license and grand theft in connection with an $8 million scheme.
Wehlau is currently serving a lengthy term of felony probation that includes restrictions on handling other people’s money. Despite this, she is promoting the "Hernando County Blueberry Festival" scheduled for April 27, 2024, at the Hernando County Fairgrounds, 4419 Spring Hill Dr, Spring Hill, Florida. The festival, which appears to be a rebranding of a previous event, aims to attract visitors from across the region.
The Hernando County Blueberry Festival will feature live music, food vendors, and blueberry-themed activities. The event is set to take place from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Admission is $10 for adults, and children under 5 years old enter for free. Wehlau’s involvement in the festival has raised concerns among local authorities, given her history of financial misconduct.
According to court records, Wehlau and her ex-husband were ordered to pay $8 million in restitution to victims of their escrow fraud scheme. The couple was also sentenced to several years of probation and community service. As part of her probation, Wehlau is prohibited from engaging in any business or activity that involves handling other people’s money.
Local residents and business owners have expressed mixed feelings about the festival, with some supporting the event as a way to promote local economic growth and others expressing concerns about Wehlau’s involvement. The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office has announced that they will be monitoring the event to ensure compliance with all safety and security protocols.
Originally reported by R News
Sources: R News
