WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Ricardo Villarroel Duerto, the owner of Villa Pavers and Pools, has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for defrauding nearly 100 homeowners across Florida. This includes residents in Palm Beach County. The state prosecutor’s office announced the conviction after Duerto, along with accomplices, stole more than $1 million from unsuspecting victims.
In 2021, Villarroel was arrested and charged with racketeering following complaints from homeowners who said they paid for backyard pools but saw little to no progress on their installations. Villarroel and his associates promised affordable pool building services but failed to complete the work after collecting hefty deposits.
Duerto targeted homeowners in numerous counties, including Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, Collier, and others. Authorities reported that he used low-priced pool promotions to entice victims, only to pocket significant deposits, leaving many with unfinished projects. In some cases, victims were left with giant holes in their yards, while others saw no work started at all.
Judge William S. Orth sentenced Villarroel on charges of racketeering and conspiracy to commit racketeering. Additionally, Luis Alvarez, a licensed contractor, was involved in the scheme by selling his contractor license to Villarroel’s unlicensed company, Villa Pavers and Pools. He used this license to obtain permits and present a false sense of legitimacy to homeowners.
Two other accomplices, Michael Borrego Fernandez and Laura Ballester Alpizar, also helped Duerto by securing contracts. Investigators stated that they played pivotal roles in expanding the fraudulent business, and they are now facing charges, with Borrego and Ballester released on bond.
Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody emphasized the harm caused to victims, many of whom were seniors who trusted Duerto to build their dream pools. The case has raised awareness about the growing issue of contractor fraud and serves as a reminder to consumers to thoroughly vet pool builders and contractors.
State officials also advise residents to always check contractors’ Better Business Bureau ratings and research any company’s reputation before entering into agreements.
