A Florida pool contractor has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for using a pool contracting scheme to steal millions from his clients.
Brian Washburn, 34, was sentenced on one count of organized scheme to defraud, a first-degree felony; two counts of money laundering of more than $100,000, a first-degree felony; and six counts of fraudulent use of personal identification information, a third-degree felony.
Owner of Atmore Pools Inc., Washburn, took upfront payments from homeowners to have pools built on their property, and on multiple occasions ran from his obligations to complete the work, according to a release.
A release states, Washburn would sometimes leave gaping holes in homeowners’ backyards near the project site. The site would be left uncompleted and would result in expensive property damage for homeowners.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement found that Washburn induced homeowners in Brevard, Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee, Palm Beach and St. Lucie counties to sign contracts to build pools, with promises of quick and professional work.
In an attempt to cover up the fraud, Washburn used a third-party check cashing store to convert the deposits into cash, according to a release.
In addition to the 30 year sentence, a judge also ordered Washburn to pay $3 million in restitution for the victims of the pool fraud scheme.
Washburn’s wife and alleged co-conspirator, Chyrstal Washburn, remains in custody at the Indian River County Jail. Chrystal Washburn’s charges are currently pending.
I guess he did not steal enough to become immune.
Rick Scott was the CEO for Hospitals Corporation of America when they were convicted of defrauding Medicare for BILLIONS$$$. They just paid a hefty fine and were allowed to not plead guilty.
Rick Scott became the Republican Governor of Florida shortly after and now he is the republican junior senator from the state…go figure.
On the other hand Al Franken gets accused of a silly sexual joke and had to resign his seat in the Senate.