Suspect accused of stealing money for quinceanera rental

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A dad thought he was reserving a banquet hall for his daughter's quinceanera. Instead, he found himself the victim of fraud.

Back in May, the father wrote a check for $1,500 to Gilberto Martinez-Mondragon, purportedly for a rental fee for the Preet Banquet Hall at 7505 Fallbrook Drive. He contacted Martinez-Mondragon via an online ad to rent the dance hall. The event was to be a quinceanera planned for July 12.

A week before the celebration, the man drove to the hall to discuss availability for a rehearsal ahead of the event. The owner there told him he had never heard of Martinez-Mondragon.

Police tracked down Martinez-Mondragon from the driver's license number he provided when cashing the victim's check. He was further identified in a police photo lineup.

Martinez-Mondragon, 28, is charged with theft. Bail has been set at $2,000.

Any possible additional victims are advised to contact police. The family in this case has since held the quinceanera at another location.