Florida Swimming Pool Company Guilty of Multi-Million-Dollar Fraud

Running a business is a full-time job and then some. Many people think owning a business is an easier gig than working a 9-5 job for someone else, but it’s really not. There’s a lot that business owners need to manage and sometimes they make bad decisions. These decisions often involve fraud, criminal charges, and more.

A woman who owned a pool company in Florida has been convicted of fraud after scamming homeowners in the state out of millions of dollars. The woman, who co-owned Amoré Pools, was recently found guilty of multiple charges, including creating an organized scheme to defraud, money laundering, fraudulent use of personal identification, and omitting or concealing information to avoid workers’ compensation premium. In total, she was convicted of 14 criminal charges.

The 42-year-old woman was sentenced on June 25 at the Indian River County court. She was handed down a sentence of 30 years in prison.

The woman and her husband were arrested in 2021. Both were accused of using their swimming pool company, based in Vero Beach, to defraud customers. More than 150 customers in Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River and Brevard Counties lost more than $2 million in the scam. The company was in business for just two years.

The couple took large deposits from homeowners with the intent to build in-ground swimming pools. However, the projects were never completed. Customers said the work that was completed would often fail inspections. In many cases, the projects were abandoned even before any work was done. One woman paid close to $28,000 for a pool, only to be left with a hole in her backyard.

In 2022, the woman’s husband received the same sentence of 30 years in prison. He was found guilty of nine felony counts. They include one count of organized scheme to defraud, a first-degree felony, as well as two counts of money laundering of more than $100,000, which are also first-degree felonies. The man was also convicted of six counts of fraudulent use of personal identification information, which are third-degree felonies.

The victims were pleased with the sentencing. Many homeowners had to deal with not only lost money but also extreme stress, heartache, and excuses. The ordeal cost one family $80,000. The judge is expected to rule on restitution soon, but more than likely, victims won’t get anything for their losses.

Seek Legal Help

Businesses need to act ethically at all times. Making money can be hard at times, but taking advantage of customers and defrauding them of their funds is never OK.

Have you ever been scammed by a local company? If so, contact Fort Lauderdale business torts lawyer Edward J. Jennings, P.A. We have the experience to provide you with sound legal advice. Schedule a consultation today by calling 954-764-4330 or filling out the online form.

Source:

cbs12.com/news/local/chrystal-washburn-found-guilty-indian-river-county-courts-brian-washburn-pool-company-amore-pools-defrauded-millions-florida-may-29-2024