Delaware State Police have arrested 51-year-old Frank Stiles, also known as Frank Smith, from Millsboro, Delaware, for home improvement fraud following multiple investigations.
Starting in February 2023, Troop 4 Financial Crimes Detectives began investigating Stiles for defrauding homeowners. He operated under various business names, including Heron Creek Landscaping and Pools, Premier Pools and Spas, Regal Water LLC, and Stiles Group LLC. Stiles signed contracts with sixteen victims, agreeing to install in-ground swimming pools and perform outdoor construction. He received over $1.5 million in payments but either never began or failed to complete the projects.
On October 7, 2024, Stiles turned himself in at Troop 4 after detectives obtained warrants for his arrest. He faces numerous felony charges, including theft and home improvement fraud, and was released on a $187,500 unsecured bond after being arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 3.
Charges Include:
- Theft of property valued at $100,000 or more (Felony) – 7 counts
- Theft of property valued between $50,000 and $100,000 (Felony) – 4 counts
- Theft over $1,500 where the victim is 62 or older (Felony)
- Theft by false pretense over $1,500 (Felony) – 4 counts
- Home improvement fraud involving $100,000 or more (Felony) – 7 counts
- Home improvement fraud involving $50,000 to $100,000 (Felony) – 6 counts
- Home improvement fraud where the victim is 62 or older (Felony)
- Home improvement fraud by false pretense over $1,500 (Felony) – 2 counts
- Home improvement fraud over $1,500 (Felony) – 2 counts
- Issuing bad checks totaling $1,500 or more (Felony) – 2 counts
Detectives urge anyone else defrauded by Stiles to contact the Troop 4 Financial Crimes Unit at 302-856-5850.