Couple Arrested in Arizona After Defrauding Hundreds in Florida

When you own a company and sign a contract with customers, you need to abide by the term of the contract. When you don’t, this is considered a breach of contract and can even constitute fraud.

The owners of a pool construction company in Melbourne have been arrested in Arizona. The couple allegedly defrauded more than 300 people out of millions of dollars over the course of several years.

The owners of Legacy Pools have been subject to multiple lawsuits and complaints of fraud due to their business operations. They were taken into custody in Maricopa County, Arizona on January 19. The pair, both 43 years old, are facing criminal charges for an organized scheme to defraud more than $50,000, as well as five counts of unlawful filing of false documents or records against real property. Both are waiting to be extradited back to Brevard County to face these charges.

The arrests follow a four-year-long investigation into dozens of complaints from disgruntled customers who claim that the couple took money from them. The clients had wanted swimming pools and other services but the couple failed to carry out the jobs as planned. The couple are allegedly linked to as many as 400 cases in Brevard and Indian River counties, and possibly surrounding areas.

The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office started the investigation back in 2021 when it was contacted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office regarding multiple complaints against Legacy Pools. The business received multiple fraud claims, starting when owner Charles Black lied about his criminal history on his application for obtaining his contractor license. The couple then began using the company bank account as their personal bank account. They spent close to $2 million on travel, cars, parties, and gym memberships, among other items.

When the couple’s business started to fail, they left pool projects unfinished, using their customers’ money to fund their lifestyle. They also failed to pay employees and subcontractors what they were owed. Customers were leaving bad reviews online and this led other counties to investigate the claims.

Once back in Florida, the couple will be booked into the Brevard County Jail. It is unknown why the couple was in Arizona.

One fraud case happened in 2022. Charles Black was charged with grand theft and fraud in connection with the pool business. He allegedly took a $19,800 deposit to build a swimming pool but stopped communicating with the homeowner. The homeowner went to St. Cloud Police in an attempt to get a refund.

Investigators later determined that Black used the money to pay his mortgage and buy groceries and other goods. The couple filed for bankruptcy in 2023. Still, the case was never prosecuted, as there was not even evidence to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Seek Legal Help

Unfortunately, construction fraud is a common issue in Florida and other states. People are always looking to scam others of their hard-earned money.

Fort Lauderdale business torts lawyer Edward J. Jennings, P.A. can assist business owners and customers facing issues with a business, such as fraud. Get the legal help you need today. Call 954-764-4330 or fill out the online form to schedule a consultation.

Source:

floridatoday.com/story/news/crime/2025/01/23/brevard-couple-in-pool-construction-fraud-cases-arrested-in-arizona/77899062007/