In Millsboro, Delaware, a wave of expired promises and unfinished projects has culminated in the arrest of a 51-year-old man, according to the Delaware State Police. Frank Stiles, also known as Frank Smith, was detained following an investigation into accusations of widespread home improvement fraud, allegedly having duped numerous clients by accepting payments for work on in-ground swimming pools and related constructions but failing to deliver.
Investigators from Troop 4 Financial Crimes Unit delved into Stiles' past dealings that date back to early 2023. It was uncovered that Stiles, operating under various business entities such as Heron Creek Landscaping and Pools, Premier Pools and Spas, and others, had amassed in excess of $1,500,000 in payments from his victims. Frustrated homeowners found themselves bereft of both funds and the promised enhancements to their homesteads, as projects were either left untouched or abandoned mid-way.
On October 7, 2024, Stiles surrendered at Troop 4 and faced an arraignment in Justice of the Peace Court 3. He was subsequently released on a $187,500 unsecured bond. The litany of charges against him comprises seven counts of theft where property value is $100,000 or more, four counts for theft ranging between $50,000 to $100,000, among other significant offenses related to elder fraud and issuing bad checks.
The Delaware State Police, through a public appeal, are urging more people who may have fallen prey to Stiles' fraudulent operations to step forward. This is an effort to deepen the ongoing inquiry and potentially aid in restitution for the wronged parties, many of whom are older citizens. Victims, or those with relevant information, are being asked to contact the Troop 4 Financial Crimes Unit directly or to relay their experiences through Delaware Crime Stoppers, as detailed by the Delaware State Police official website.
