Wedding photographer accused of duping women by posing as porn producer

A Raymore wedding photographer is accused of duping dozens of women into having sex with him by faking a career as a talent scout and pornography producer.

Mario Antoine, 33, of Raymore, was charged in a 21-count federal indictment on Monday. The U.S. attorney’s office alleges that Antoine created fictitious businesses and “auditioned” women, under the guise that they were rehearsing for an adult film. The charges include wire fraud, online enticement and extortion.

“Antoine allegedly promised to pay his victims tens of thousands of dollars for entering into contracts for these modeling shoots and engaging in this sexual activity, which entailed auditions in which the victims performed various sexual activities with Antoine, which he recorded,” the office of U.S. Attorney Tammy Dickinson announced today.

The indictment alleges that when some victims complained they had not been paid, Antoine sent images he had captured to their employers and significant others.

The U.S. attorney further alleges that Antoine conducted Google searches for “rape by deception” and “illegal to trick girls into sleeping with you,” and viewed websites and law journals “regarding the criminality of committing rape by fraud or deception.”

Antoine, who served time in jail last year for cheating clients of his wedding photography business, was arrested today and will remain in custody pending a detention hearing on Thursday.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone who believes they have been victimized by Antoine is urged to contact the FBI at 816-512-8200.