Melbourne, FL – March 11, 2025 – After years of allegedly defrauding hundreds of customers across Brevard, Orange, and Osceola Counties, Charles David Black and Kristin Danae Black, owners of Legacy Pools LLC, have been arrested in Arizona and extradited back to Brevard County. The couple, who fled Florida amid mounting complaints and a bankruptcy filing, faced their first court appearances today following their return, marking a significant victory for the victims who have long sought justice.
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The Blacks, operating out of their Melbourne-based company Legacy Pools LLC, are accused of orchestrating an elaborate scheme that left over 300 customers with unfinished pool projects and financial losses exceeding $6.7 million. According to an affidavit filed by the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, the couple allegedly misled clients with low pool prices and unrealistic completion timelines, collecting substantial upfront payments—often 15% or more—before abandoning projects. Victims reported delays of up to two years, with many projects stalling at the tile phase, leaving costly installations incomplete.
The investigation, detailed in a comprehensive affidavit spanning 154 pages, reveals a pattern of deceit dating back to 2018. Charles Black is alleged to have fraudulently obtained his Florida Pool/Spa Contractor license by falsifying his application, omitting a criminal history and prior business license revocations in Virginia. The couple is also accused of altering Notice of Commencements (NOCs) without customer consent, extending project timelines by up to two years and subjecting victims to further financial risk.
Financial records subpoenaed from QuickBooks and SunTrust/Truist Bank paint a troubling picture. The Blacks allegedly siphoned approximately $2 million from Legacy Pools’ accounts for personal expenses, including vacations, luxury car rentals, Walt Disney World trips, and even church donations, while the company spiraled into insolvency by 2021. Despite this, they continued signing new contracts, exacerbating the financial strain on both the business and its victims.
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Numerous victims shared harrowing experiences with investigators. Chris Weaver of Palm Bay paid $15% of his $58,914 contract upfront in May 2022, only to see no progress before Legacy Pools filed for bankruptcy. Ricky Helmer of Titusville spent $42,872.95, but the company’s shoddy work required an additional $25,000 to fix. Marlon Vazquez of Orlando paid $67,500 in full, yet his project was abandoned, forcing him to spend another $54,000 to complete it. These stories are just a fraction of the over 300 complaints filed, with reported losses to customers, employees, subcontractors, and lenders totaling millions.
The affidavit also notes that the Blacks allegedly instructed employees to lie to customers about delays, hid from complaints, and even forged documents to maintain their operations. Brevard County reportedly lost approximately $48,049 due to undervalued permit applications, further compounding the public’s financial burden.
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As complaints mounted and legal pressure intensified, the Blacks fled Florida, relocating to Arizona. However, their escape was short-lived. On an unspecified date prior to their extradition, authorities in Arizona apprehended the couple, acting on warrants issued by Brevard County. Yesterday, March 10, 2025, they were extradited back to Florida, where they appeared in court for their initial hearings. Charged with multiple felonies, including Organized Scheme to Defraud and Unlawful Filing of False Documents, the couple faces a potential reckoning for their alleged crimes.
For the people of Brevard County, this arrest is a long-awaited triumph. Previous reports, including articles from local news outlets, have chronicled the Blacks’ alleged fraudulent activities since at least 2021, with the Better Business Bureau documenting numerous complaints about sloppy work and delays. The community has endured years of frustration as the couple seemingly evaded accountability, leaving behind unfinished pools, financial ruin, and emotional distress.
Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Economic Crimes Unit, led by investigators like Sergeant Jacqueline Hearon, worked tirelessly to build a case against the Blacks. The extradition and court appearances signal a turning point, offering hope to victims that they may finally see restitution or justice served. “This is a big win for the people of Brevard,” said one local resident, echoing the sentiment of many affected by the scandal.
