Pool Contractor Sentenced To 30 Years In Prison For Fraud

A pool contractor that defrauded customers, including some in Brevard County, has been sentenced to 30 years in prison, after prosecutors said his scheme resulted in the theft of millions of dollars from his clients. 34 year old Brian Washburn, owner of Atmore Pools Inc., took upfront payments from homeowners to have pools built on their property, and on multiple occasions ran from his obligations to complete the work. Prosecutors said Washburn would sometimes leave gaping holes in homeowners’ backyards, leaving the projects uncompleted and resulting 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 addition to the 30 year prison sentence, a judge also ordered Washburn to pay $3 million in restitution to the victims. Washburn’s wife and alleged co-conspirator, Chyrstal Washburn meanwhile, remains in custody at the Indian River County Jail, with charges pending.