Wedding planner to go to trial in December

A Jackson wedding planner accused of using client credit cards to purchase luxury goods will go on trial in December.

Michael J. Erzfeld, who ran Custom Events in Jackson until his arrest in November, has until Nov. 10 to negotiate a plea deal, Circuit Judge William Seay ruled Tuesday. If no plea with a sentencing recommendation is made by that date, Erzfeld's trial will begin Dec. 1.

Erzfeld faces five counts of fraudulent use of a credit card. The felony carries a potential term of up to four years in prison on each count. Erzfeld is accused of using customer credit card numbers obtained by his businesses to buy wine and expensive home items, including a $3,020 champagne cooler and a $782 porcelain elephant.

The case is being heard in Crawford County on a change of venue.

Pertinent address:

302 W. Main St., Steelville, Mo.