Contractor arrested in alleged pool fraud program in Miami – NBC 6 South Florida

A pool entrepreneur and others were arrested in a suspected $ 1 million pool fraud program in Miami.

Ricardo Villarroel is accused of defrauding nearly 100 homeowners across the state.

Earlier this month, NBC 6 Responds partnered with Telemundo Responde units across the state and heard from frustrated homeowners.

Homeowner Angel Lacasse said he signed a contract with Villarroel’s firm, Villa Pavers and Pools, and paid a $ 21,000 deposit. More than a year later, the pool wasn’t ready.

“When I paid him that lump sum after pouring the concrete, he just disappeared,” said Lacasse.

Other homeowners across Florida shared similar stories of unfinished projects and thousands of dollars lost.

In early October, the Florida attorney general told NBC 6 Responds that their consumer protection department is actively investigating six complaints.

Weeks after the NBC 6 Responds investigation aired, Villarroel and three others face blackmail charges.

Other defendants include Luis Alvarez Daboin of Conquer Pools and the sellers of Villa Pavers and Pools, Michael Borrego and Laura Ballester Alpizar, authorities said.

Homeowner Rafeal Quiles said he handed over $ 11,000 in deposits to the company.

“They haven’t completed the permit and pool construction,” Quiles said.

Quiles said he was relieved that Villarroel and others are being charged.

“I feel good because other people are not going to keep doing this,” Quiles said.

Investigators said further arrests are expected. The defendants face up to 30 years imprisonment.

The post Contractor arrested in alleged pool fraud program in Miami – NBC 6 South Florida first appeared on Daily Florida Press.

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