BALDWIN COUNTY, Ala. – Frederick Brewster Cook III, 57, of Seminole, Alabama, was arrested on Thursday, November 23, 2024, after an investigation revealed that he defrauded an elderly homeowner out of nearly $24,000. Cook faces multiple charges, including Financial Exploitation of the Elderly 1st, Theft of Property 1st, and Home Repair Fraud.
The investigation, which began in August 2024, was triggered when a 67-year-old homeowner made payments totaling $23,999 to Cook for the repair and remodeling of an in-ground pool. However, it was soon discovered that Cook was not a licensed contractor and failed to perform any of the agreed-upon work. In fact, he caused significant damage to the pool before ceasing all communication with the homeowner and abandoning the project.
Cook was arrested after an arrest warrant was served by the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office. The case highlights the growing concern of scams targeting vulnerable individuals and emphasizes the importance of hiring licensed professionals for home repairs.
