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Prosecutors Allege Operator of Jazz Camp for Adults Hit Wrong Note With Solicitations, Faces Felony

photo of man playing saxophone
Pikist/Creative Commons

A New Hampshire grand jury has handed down a felony indictment in a consumer fraud case that alleges an operator of camps aimed at music and dance loving adults misled potential customers.

Prosecutors say that Camps for Grownups, which operates both jazz and ballroom dancing camps aimed at an older set, sent out a series of email solicitations promoting an August 2019 jazz camp. However, the state alleges that the camp knew it lacked the ability to stage the camp as advertised.

Byron Siegal, the 73-year-old owner of Camps for Grownups, is facing one felony count of violating the state’s Consumer Protection Act. If convicted, he’s facing fines of up to $100,000.

Siegal didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. The company is headquartered in Nottingham.

According to the Camps for Grownups website, the company offers weeklong packages that start at $999 for trombone and upright bass players, while jazz camp for saxophone players costs $1,400. The camps require a $495 deposit.

Along with accommodations, the camps include rehearsals, workshops and a wine and cheese jam session.

It isn’t clear how many potential campers may have received the allegedly bogus solicitations.

Siegal will be arraigned January 15 in Rockinghman County Superior Court.

Todd started as a news correspondent with NHPR in 2009. He spent nearly a decade in the non-profit world, working with international development agencies and anti-poverty groups. He holds a master’s degree in public administration from Columbia University.
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