San Jose Quinceañera Planner Faces Grand Theft Charges
SAN JOSE, CA – A san Jose man is facing grand theft charges after allegedly defrauding multiple families who hired him to plan their daughters’ quinceañeras, leaving vendors unpaid and celebrations threatened. Juan Martin Gaspar, also known as Juan Martin Barcenas, was arraigned on September 25th and is currently out of custody on $100,000 bail.
The case highlights a growing vulnerability for families investing significant sums in milestone celebrations. Prosecutors allege Gaspar accepted “large fees” from at least seven families between 2023 and 2024, but failed to remit payment to the businesses providing essential services – venues, catering, and decorations – sometimes resulting in vendors demanding money on the day of the event. The Santa Clara county District Attorney’s Office initiated the examination following reports from local news outlets and a complaint filed with their Consumer Protection Unit.
According to the District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigations, families contracted Gaspar to organize their quinceañeras, only to be confronted by unpaid vendors seeking immediate payment. Gaspar is prohibited from working as an event planner while the case proceeds.He is scheduled to appear in court again on december 2nd, and faces potential jail time if convicted.
The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office is handling the prosecution.
