Charles (also known as Chad) and Kristin Black, the owners of Legacy Pools, have been arrested after an investigation by the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. The couple allegedly defrauded hundreds of individuals across Central Florida, leaving many victims with little to no recourse for recovery.
The investigation, which has been ongoing since 2021, took a significant turn when a routine traffic stop in Arizona revealed an active warrant for their arrest. The Blacks are currently in custody and awaiting extradition to Florida to face charges.
Fraudulent Business Practices and Victims’ Struggles
The case involves numerous victims, many of whom will never recover their lost funds. One such victim, Josh Lueck, shared his disbelief. “It feels like something from a movie, not real life. But it happened,” Lueck said. He is currently in the midst of a civil lawsuit against the Blacks after they allegedly took his money and abandoned the project. Lueck took out a second loan to cover the additional costs of his pool project and now faces the burden of a 17-year repayment.
Lueck is not alone in his experience. Steven Didanato, another victim, filed a police report in 2016 after paying Legacy Pools upfront, only for the company to disappear. Didanato eventually dropped the charges after Chad Black reimbursed him, but expressed frustration with the lack of real consequences for the Blacks’ actions. “What was his real punishment? Nothing really,” Didanato said.
New Charges and Legal Proceedings
The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office has now charged the couple with organized fraud, a felony that could carry up to 30 years in prison. According to Tod Goodyear of the Sheriff’s Office, evidence indicates clear intent to defraud multiple victims over several years. The investigation, which started in 2021, uncovered not only numerous victim complaints but also a troubling history of legal issues for Chad Black. Between 2006 and 2018, Black faced fines and license revocations in Virginia for dishonest business practices.
Lueck expressed disbelief that Black was able to continue operating as a licensed contractor in Florida despite this history. The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office explained that communication lapses between state jurisdictions contributed to the delay in holding the Blacks accountable.
In 2022, authorities in St. Cloud arrested Chad Black for grand theft and fraud but later dropped the charges due to insufficient evidence. Victims now hope the current charges will lead to a more favorable outcome.
How to Protect Yourself from Fraudulent Contractors
While many victims had conducted preliminary research before hiring Legacy Pools, they suggest others take even more precaution. Lueck recommends asking contractors for information about their vendors and reaching out to those vendors directly if anything seems suspicious.
To avoid falling victim to scams, the Florida Swimming Pool Association advises prospective clients to verify a contractor’s license online, request references, check reviews, and consult the Better Business Bureau. Legacy Pools, notably, has an “F” rating with the BBB.
If you believe you’ve been defrauded by Legacy Pools or any other licensed contractor, file a complaint with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Filing a complaint may make you eligible for the State Recovery Fund, which compensates victims of misconduct by licensed contractors.