'Lawn Guy' Throws Mansion Rager While Owners Vacation
On the night of June 21, a North Carolina mansion filled with music, teens, and flashing lights became the scene of a surprise party — not for the guests, but for the homeowners who were 600 miles away and had no idea it was happening.
The Allegations
Michael Brown, a 37-year-old landscaper from Union County, North Carolina, is accused of throwing a large, unauthorized house party at a $4.3 million Weddington home where he had previously been hired for lawn care.
According to the Union County Sheriff's Office, Brown allegedly waited until the homeowners were away on vacation, then took the opportunity to host a rager that drew hundreds of attendees — mostly teens and young adults. Deputies said Brown charged guests an entry fee and pocketed the money.
Neighbors noticed the growing crowd and loud noise and alerted authorities. Deputies arrived and found a packed house and significant property damage. The sheriff's office described the scene as chaotic, with partygoers leaving recklessly, prompting several traffic stops.
Initially, Brown told officers he was the homeowner. Then, he claimed the mansion belonged to his grandparents. Ultimately, police say he confessed to being "the lawn guy," with no connection to the homeowners, according to Fox News.
The Arrest and Charges
Authorities reported finding more than $3,000 in collected fees and evidence of underage drinking. Brown later told WSOC-TV that the party was intended as a graduation celebration for his son and claimed he didn't break any laws — just "some rules," according to the Daily Mail.
Brown was arrested and booked into the Union County Detention Center. He faces multiple charges, including:
- Breaking and entering
- Second-degree trespassing
- Injury to real property
- Obtaining property by false pretenses
- Contributing to the delinquency of a minor
He was released the following day on a $10,000 bond.
Contradicting Claims
Brown maintains that the homeowners were aware he'd be at the property and even hinted he believed they'd continue using his landscaping services. He denied offering alcohol to minors and claimed the fees were for security, not entry.
But that account is sharply contradicted by Jante Burch, the homeowners' son. Burch told WSOC he was "very angry" and called the incident "egregious," stating that guests were using the pool, smoking marijuana on the porch, and that the home was left in disarray, according to the Daily Mail.
He made it clear that Brown was not considered part of the family — just someone who cut the grass.
What Happens Next?
At the time of publication, Brown has not been convicted of any crime. The charges remain pending, and the investigation is ongoing. Law enforcement has not confirmed whether further charges will be filed against other attendees or individuals who caused damage during the event.
Brown, meanwhile, has expressed plans to throw another party — this time, presumably somewhere he actually has permission to use.
References: 'Lawn guy' accused of throwing party at former client's home while they were on vacation: 'Epic failures' | Landscaper arrested for throwing 'large, unauthorized' house party while homeowners were away: Sheriff | Man hired to mow lawn at $4.3 million mansion throws massive party with hundreds of guests
