FARMINGTON, CT — A 50th anniversary celebration of Little House on the Prairie held in Farmington has taken a sharp turn from nostalgia to courtroom drama, as the event’s organizer is now facing a felony larceny charge.
Jack Bishop of Pittsfield, Illinois — owner of Gravel Road Markets, a national event production company — is accused of issuing a bad check for nearly $64,000 to Milford-based Forks and Fingers Catering.
The check, according to police and business records, bounced twice.
“It was just so traumatic and literally with a figure that size, we’re, I think, just now over the repercussions of it,” said Stephanie LeFrancois, owner of Forks and Fingers.
Bishop, who did not enter a plea during his appearance in Milford Superior Court on Thursday, is charged with first-degree larceny. His attorney, Vincent Fazzone, stated, “He’s an upstanding member of his community, and he is innocent of this charge.”
In addition to the Connecticut case, there is also an active warrant for Bishop’s arrest in Pennsylvania tied to a separate bad check totaling more than $20,000. Fazzone said he was unaware of that matter.
Forks and Fingers had been hired to feed 650 attendees over two days during the Farmington event last summer.
“There was supposed to be tenting for food. It was supposed to be covered. We showed up and he didn’t even have tables set up,” LeFrancois said. “A lot of excuses. I mean, it got to the point where we no longer believed him.”
Fans of Little House on the Prairie had already voiced complaints last year following the event, citing disorganization, long waits, and unmet expectations.
Attendees have since gathered on Facebook to share experiences, many saying they felt misled and overcharged.
“Mr. Bishop really underestimated the Little House on the Prairie fans. I think he thought he could get away with what he had been doing for a while,” said Ana Donlan, an attendee from Wilmington, North Carolina.
The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection confirmed they received complaints related to the event.
LeFrancois said she appreciated the backing she received from attendees, many of whom expressed outrage not just about the event’s conditions but also over the impact on local businesses. “What is happening is awful. They are going to think this is how we run our business. They paid for an experience, and I don’t want to be looped in with this person,” she said.
Bishop is currently being held at Bridgeport Correctional Center on a $100,000 bond. He has not made bail. “I don’t expect restitution but want to stop him from doing this to someone else,” LeFrancois added.
