Charleston Families Left in Turmoil After Pool Contractor Admits Fraud Scheme

Charleston Families Victimized by Pool Contractor’s Fraud Scheme

CHARLESTON — It’s a sunny morning here in Charleston, but there’s a shadow hanging over the community after a pool contractor’s shady dealings have left several local families in distress. Thomas Wayne Riley, a contractor known for running Lowcountry Fiberglass Pools, recently made headlines after admitting to defrauding multiple families out of significant amounts of money. The case has created quite a stir, as victims came together, some even using social media to connect, after discovering they all fell prey to the same manipulative tactics.

The Guilty Plea and Sentencing

On October 24, 2024, Riley, 56, pleaded guilty to seven counts of breach of trust with fraudulent intent, which means he took money from clients with no intention of completing the work. Circuit Judge Jennifer McCoy sentenced him to one year in prison, along with five years of probation. One of the stipulations of his probation is that he must repay the families he cheated, with estimates suggesting he owes them upwards of $100,000 just for the Charleston County cases alone.

But that’s not all. Riley still faces ten additional fraud-related charges in Calhoun County and one in Dorchester County, accumulating to an alleged total theft of nearly $350,000 since 2020. If he violates his probation terms, he risks spending an additional nine years behind bars. It’s a grim scenario, and one that leaves more questions than answers for the victims who just wanted to make a splash in their own backyards.

The Fallout for the Victims

Victims have expressed their frustration over the situation, feeling that they’ve lost not just their money, but also their trust in local contractors. Matt Wain, an Isle of Palms resident and one of Riley’s victims, spoke candidly about the betrayal. “My money is still being spent while he sits in jail,” Wain said, pointing out that photos from Google Earth show a pool construction project happening at Riley’s home, funded by the money intended for his clients.

Many families reported becoming acquainted through online forums and social media, sharing their struggles and experiences. They felt empowered to come forward, but some opted to pursue civil cases due to a lack of criminal charges initially brought against Riley in some counties.

Victims’ Perspectives

During the sentencing, victims made it clear they had lost faith in ever being compensated. Some expressed outrage that other jurisdictions didn’t consolidate the cases or pursue charges against Riley’s associates. Wain questioned why a salesman involved in the dealings hasn’t faced consequences. “It’s really hard to sit here and not see him get a significant sentence,” he remarked, reflecting the sentiments of many that justice hasn’t truly been served.

A Response from the Contractor

In court, Riley offered an explanation for his actions, suggesting that COVID-19 disrupted supply chains and impacted his ability to fulfill contracts. His attorney, Bryan Alfaro, further argued that Riley had already started making restitution payments through civil settlements with some victims.

However, the victims were less than convinced. “He eroded the trust in the community,” Wain commented, emphasizing that the pandemic should not absolve someone from fraudulent behavior. Ultimately, Riley’s attorney asked for the sentencing to be delayed to resolve other pending cases but was met with resistance from Judge McCoy, who expressed a desire to bring closure to the victims promptly.

A Hope for Change

This situation has raised serious questions about oversight within the contracting community here in Charleston and surrounding areas. As we move forward, it’s essential that both the public and local authorities remain vigilant and ensure individuals like Riley are appropriately held accountable, reinforcing trust in service providers.

For now, families like Wain’s hope they can at least begin to recover what they lost, one step at a time, as they navigate through the aftermath of this unfortunate event.

With the courtroom drama concluded for now, there remains a sense of uncertainty, but also a glimmer of hope that lessons will be learned, and more robust protections established for future homeowners in the Lowcountry.