Vena’ Jeter, a Charlotte-based travel agent is in hiding after allegedly pocketing a woman’s money for a destination wedding trip—then canceling her flight and not returning the woman’s money.
Vena’, owner of TopLevel Escapes, LLC, claims her business specializes in “Group International & Domestic Trips & Cruises.” But on Monday, March 31, 2025, she abruptly canceled a client’s trip to the Dominican Republic—and, according to the victim’s daughter, has yet to return a dime.
The North Carolina Beat spoke with Mani Johnson, the daughter of April Brown, who says her mother was personally invited by Vena’ to attend her wedding in Punta Cana, scheduled for Sunday, April 13, 2025.
According to Johnson, Vena’ and April know of each other through mutual individuals. In August 2024, Vena’ allegedly reached out via text to invite April to her wedding, stating that travel packages were available through her business, TopLevel Escapes.
On February 28, April sent $1,360 via Cash App, followed by an additional $500 on March 2, bringing the total to $1,860—a fact backed up by receipts and an invoice issued by Jeter on March 8, which showed a $0 balance owed.
But what seemed like a straightforward trip quickly turned shady. Based on excessive text messages reviewed by The NC Beat, it appears that Vena’ would give one price and later come back claiming it had increased—then get offended when April asked about the last-minute fees. However, on Monday, March 31, Vena’ reached out to apologize to April for them getting off on the wrong foot, stating that she had been offended by April’s comment about “Last-Minute Fees.”
“I may have come off strong; however, I don’t like feeling untrustworthy when it comes down to dealing with people’s money… you will have a full refund in a few days,” Jeter wrote to April.
April, in return, requested her money be refunded via Cash App immediately—the same way she immediately paid for the trip.
“Yes, when it comes back… have a good night,” Vena’ replied.
Fast-forward to Friday, April 4. Mani says her mother called American Airlines to check the status of her refund. The airline confirmed that the flight had been canceled on March 31—and that the money had already been returned to the agent’s [Vena’] account, also saying that Vena’ had an “allowance account” designated for travel agent reimbursements.
“I started calling and inquiring about my trip and that’s when I found out a refund was given on March 31,” April told The North Carolina Beat in a written statement.
Later that day, April messaged Vena’ again for an update on her $1,860 refund. Vena’ denied the refund had processed and claimed April was misinformed by the airline about how travel agent refunds work.
As of April 10, 2025, April Brown has yet to receive any portion of the $1,860 she paid. Meanwhile, Vena’ Jeter is headed to the Dominican Republic for her wedding festivities, despite these unresolved financial allegations.
The North Carolina Beat contacted Vena’ for comment on Wednesday. She denied the allegations, saying she was unaware of any such claims and only found out about them Wednesday morning, before we reached out.
