Ohio’s top cop is coming after a Tipp City wedding photographer who, he says, took couples’ money and never delivered the memories. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost filed a civil lawsuit Tuesday in Clark County Common Pleas Court, accusing a local shooter and her business of leaving more than two dozen couples without the wedding, engagement, or anniversary photos they paid for.
"You do not get a second shot at your wedding day," Yost said, adding that his office is "focused on making sure consumers are not left out of the picture," in comments reported by local media. According to WSYX/ABC6, the suit names 22‑year‑old Alexis Shelton and her company, Patty‑Ann Photography, alleging violations of Ohio’s Consumer Sales Practices Act for failing to provide photos or a money-back guarantee.
Couples Say They Were Left Without Photos
Several couples told reporters they were left scrambling when their supposed photographer stopped coming through. As reported by WHIO, brides said Shelton missed deadlines to deliver images, failed to show up for some scheduled shoots, then went silent, ignoring calls, texts, and emails.
According to those accounts, some couples had paid deposits, others the full balance. A few said they briefly saw refunds listed as pending in their bank accounts, only to watch those transactions get canceled. In several cases, brides reported having to hunt for last‑minute replacement photographers to salvage their big day.
What the Lawsuit Alleges
The Attorney General’s complaint says Shelton and Patty‑Ann Photography accepted payment for photography packages and, in many instances, failed to deliver the contracted images or issue refunds. The filing notes that more than 25 consumers lodged complaints over the past year and asks the court to order restitution for affected customers, civil penalties, court costs, and an injunction to block further violations.
The full complaint is available from the Ohio Attorney General.
Why This Matters Under Ohio Law
Ohio’s Consumer Sales Practices Act prohibits unfair or deceptive acts in consumer transactions. State administrative rules include a "failure to deliver" provision that requires sellers to deliver goods within eight weeks, provide a refund, or notify consumers of the delay and offer a refund.
Those laws give the Attorney General authority to seek court orders stopping the conduct and to pursue refunds for consumers. The provisions cited in the lawsuit are laid out in Ohio Revised Code Chapter 1345.
How To Report If You Paid
If you paid Patty‑Ann Photography and never received your photos or a refund, officials recommend gathering all your paperwork before you speak up. That includes contracts, invoices, emails, text messages, and payment records.
Consumers can file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Section online or by phone at 1‑800‑282‑0515. Documentation can be submitted through the complaint portal at the Ohio Attorney General. You may also consider small‑claims court or contacting local law enforcement if you believe a crime occurred.
