Customers who lost thousands of dollars to a fraudulent pool contractor are finally receiving some of their money back after a lengthy legal battle. Thomas Wayne Riley, a contractor from Lowcountry Fiberglass Pools, pleaded guilty to 11 counts of breach of trust with fraudulent intent over $10,000. He took payments from clients across three counties to build swimming pools that were never completed.
Riley’s actions led to him stealing nearly $350,000 from customers who paid for pools that were never built. In a recent court hearing, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison, with one year suspended and five years of probation. As part of the restitution agreement, Riley paid $108,000 upfront, which will be distributed among the victims. The remaining amount will be paid during his probation.
One of the victims, Mayre Jo Hartley, expressed her frustration, noting that the financial loss was not only about money but the loss of a dream. “You not only stole our money, but you stole something even more precious—our peace and happiness,” she said.
While the $108,000 represents only a portion of the losses, it is the first time the victims have received any compensation since the fraud occurred. Calhoun County Senior Assistant Solicitor Ted Lupton acknowledged the hardship the victims faced, stating, “We recognize that they suffered a great deal of hardship dealing with this case over the years.”
Riley’s sentence includes two separate cases in Calhoun and Dorchester Counties, with the sentences running concurrently. In October 2023, he pleaded guilty to additional charges in Charleston County, with a similar sentence. The restitution process is still ongoing, and further details about the repayment in Charleston County are yet to be disclosed.
Despite the partial restitution, the victims expressed their emotional toll, and many, like Hartley, still struggle with the impact of Riley’s betrayal. However, they are grateful for the efforts of law enforcement and the legal team, which allowed them to recover a fraction of what they lost.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks of hiring untrustworthy contractors and the devastating impact of fraudulent business practices on individuals and families.
