Florida pool contractors accused of defrauding residents out of over $2 million, used the money for lavish lifestyle

Tallahassee, Florida – The Florida Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution has taken decisive action against two pool contractors, Charles and Kristin Black, accused of organizing a fraudulent scheme that cost hundreds of Florida residents millions of dollars. The charges include schemes to defraud and multiple counts related to falsifying documents.

Under the name Legacy Pools, the Blacks are alleged to have promised to build pools as contracted while gathering large deposits and payments from clients across Brevard, Orange, and Osceola counties. Instead, investigators found that the money was moved toward supporting a lavish lifestyle between October 2019 and August 2022.

“The public needs to be careful when hiring a contractor for large projects like building a pool. Do not rely on just what the salesman tells you. Verify that the contractor is legitimate and has the wherewithal to perform by checking with prior customers, the Better Business Bureau, and other similar resources. There are unfortunately scammers, like this couple, out there. When law enforcement officers find fraudsters taking advantage of Floridians, the Office of Statewide Prosecution will hold them accountable,” Acting Attorney General John Guard said.

The investigation revealed that the accused couple utilized fraudulent techniques to get licenses in addition to failing to meet their contractual obligations. On permit applications in Brevard County, they apparently misled about pool expenses, therefore defrauding the county of around $48,000 in fees. The deceit also included leaving its customers with incomplete projects, usually just gaping holes where pools were meant to be constructed.

The program had a significant effect, involving more over $2 million in stolen funds and impacting almost 300 victims. Among the victims, at least one was identified as a senior citizen, highlighting the scheme’s broad and harmful reach.

Legal allegations against Charles and Kristin Black include one case of conspiring to deceive more than $50,000 involving a senior victim, one count of scheming to defraud between $20,000 and $50,000, and five counts of illegal filing of fraudulent documents. The Office of Statewide Prosecution is handling the prosecution, signaling the seriousness with which this case is being approached.

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This case is yet another reminder for theany prospective clients in the market for building projects and home remodeling of the need of careful due diligence and the determination of the government to protect its people from fraudulent tactics.