WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) – The owner of a Wichita venue rental business faces a fine of more than $62,000 after leaving customers without a place to hold events and failing to deliver refunds following an eviction.
The Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office said the $62,682.55 default judgment against Misty Welch, doing business as The Gathering Place of Wichita, was “for engaging in unconscionable acts under the Kansas Consumer Protection Act (KCPA).
The Office of the District Attorney’s Consumer Protection Division investigated after receiving complaints against Welch.
The DA’s office said Welch violated the KCPA by renting out space for planned events at The Gathering Place at 1040 W. Pawnee.
“After accepting payments, Ms. Welch was evicted from the venue for failure to pay rent and the consumers were left without a place to hold their events. Ms. Welch was evicted from the venue for failure to pay rent and the consumers were left without a place to hold their events,” the DA’s office said. “Ms. Welch promised refunds to the aggrieved consumers but failed to pay any back in full.”
In the judgment, the court ordered Welch to first pay back the consumers, along with investigative expenses, civil penalties and court costs.
“The court also prohibited Ms. Welch from engaging in the business of venue rentals until the judgment is paid,” the DA’s Office said.
The Sedgwick County DA’s office offered the following guidance following the ruling against Welch and The Gathering Place.
“The District Attorney reminds consumers to exercise care when choosing an event venue. While the consumers here entered into written contracts with Ms. Welch and The Gathering Place, most paid using cash, Cash App or Venmo. The District Attorney suggests payment using a credit card, which may provide an extra level of protection if a dispute arises.”
Copyright 2025 KWCH. All rights reserved. To report a correction or typo, please email news@kwch.com
