TAMPA BAY, Fla. — The subject of an ongoing I-team investigation, Olympus Pools, is now the focus of a criminal investigation.
The Pasco County Sheriff's Office confirmed their economic crimes unit is looking into complaints involving money taken and work not being done. I-Team Investigator Jackie Callaway first exposed dozens of complaints involving Olympus Pools earlier this year.
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Dozens of frustrated homeowners contacted Jackie, saying they had paid tens of thousands of dollars and were stuck with eye sores and bug-filled pits in their back yard.
The company told the I-team it would halt all sales and focus on the existing projects. The owner James Staten blamed COVID-related delays for taking so long to get projects completed. The company returned to a number of job sites and paid several subcontractors after the I-team started asking questions.
The sheriff’s office said it is actively investigating fraud-related complaints against Olympus and is asking anyone with information to come forward.
"Thank you for your inquiry. At this time, our company and our attorneys have not been made aware of any law enforcement investigations. However, we have nothing to hide and have committed no crimes.
Staten provided the following statement:
Despite the rumors, false allegations about us going out of business and erroneous media reports, we are still hard at work completing pools each and every day.
In the past two weeks, more than 20 pools have passed final inspections in Pasco and Hillsborough counties.
This week, eight pools have had concrete work completed. Brick and tile work has been completed on six pools. Five pools had electrical work completed. Seven pools had plumbing work completed. Three residences have had footers dug. Four residences have had footers poured with concrete, and supplies have been delivered to approximately 18 residences.
That is progress by any definition, and we are committed to finishing each of the pools we have started and have under contract.
We do not deny that this past year has been difficult due to COVID-19 and unforeseen issues resulting therefrom. As a result, we have had longer than expected delays, and we both apologize for any inconvenience this has caused, and appreciate the patience and understanding many of our customers have shown.
It is important to note, over the last decade we have completed thousands of pools and projects here in the Tampa Bay area, and we have every intention of finishing the remaining pools we have left to complete.
Having said that, if I, or my business, become under investigation by law enforcement, we will be fully transparent and comply with all law enforcement officials. We will do everything in our power to cooperate fully with law enforcement and assist them as needed."
