According to LA Consumer Affairs Press Release, the Los Angeles City’s Attorney’s Office has filed a 7-count misdemeanor lawsuit against 36-year-old Candace Vanessa Brewington, the owner and operator of “Contour Management” and “Modern Talent Group.”
Brewington, who also uses the alias Vanessa Von, is charged with taking advantage of children and young adults aspiring to become actors and models.
The Los Angeles Department of Consumer Affairs launched the investigation following consumer complaints. According to a department press release, Brewington’s “talent scouts” solicited victims at public places including Montebello Town Center, Target of Culver City and the North Hollywood subway station.
The “scouts” persuaded victims to purchase photo packages ranging in price from from $300 to $900 from a studio called ‘N Focus Studio,’ which Brewington allegedly owns.
According to a statement released by the Los Angeles Department of Consumer affairs, “the photo packages…were advertised as professional, industry-standard engagements by a high-end photographer, but turned out to be a rushed, 10- or 15-minute shoot in a room packed with 15-20 other customers.”
Brewington was arraigned on August 8, 2012 and if convicted could face up to five years in county jail and more than $45,000 in fines and penalties. According to BACKSTAGE, during that court appearance, Brewington asked the judge to reschedule the hearing because she would be out of the area for an upcoming court date. The judge continued the case until Oct. 12, 2012. Brewington faces up to five years in county jail and $45,000 in penalties.
Anyone who has been victimized by Contour Management or Modern Talent Group should contact Consumer Affairs investigators Morine Merritt at (213) 974-9673, Esther Martinez at (213) 974-9942, or (800) 593-8222 or file a complaint directly online at dca.lacounty.gov.
For more information about talent services, visit dca.lacounty.gov/
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Thanks to Hollywood Mom Lisa Pitts who brought this investigation to HMB’s attention!
Read more about the here: http://www.bizparentz.org/entertainmentlaws/advancefeetalent.html
