Indian River County - Wednesday June 29, 2022: Brian Washburn, the owner of Amore’ Pools Inc. in Vero Beach, has been convicted on multiple felony charges for operating a multimillion-dollar pool contracting scheme.
Washburn was found guilty of defrauding Florida homeowners out of nearly $3 million, often leaving dangerous debris piles and gaping holes in victims’ backyards instead of performing the promised work, according to a release announcing the conviction from Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody.
"More than 150 Floridians made huge upfront payments to have pools built on their properties. The defendant took their money but failed to do the work," said Moody.
The Attorney General said Washburn induced homeowners in Brevard, Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee, Palm Beach and St. Lucie counties to sign contracts with promises of low prices and quick, professional work. The contracts required hefty upfront deposits and large front-end payments. Once Washburn received the deposit, he abandoned the project before work began.
In other cases, Washburn dug holes in the victims’ backyards, but left the rest of the pool project uncompleted, resulting in expensive property damage to homeowners. In an attempt to cover up the fraud, Washburn used a third-party check cashing store to convert the deposits into cash.
The jury found Washburn guilty of nine felony counts: one count of organized scheme to defraud, a first-degree felony; two counts of money laundering of more than $100,000, both first-degree felonies; and six counts of fraudulent use of personal identification information, a third-degree felony.
Washburn’s wife and co-conspirator, Chyrstal Washburn, remains in custody at the Indian River County Jail. Chrystal Washburn’s charges are currently pending.
Assistant Statewide Prosecutors Jonathan Bridges and Stephanie Tew prosecuted this case.