Contractor faces multiple felonies for home improvement fraud
A Millsboro contractor sought by police in connection with more than $1.5 million in home improvement fraud has been charged with multiple felonies.
Delaware State Police began investigating Frank Stiles, 51, also known as Frank Smith, in February 2023 after police said Stiles had signed contracts with 16 people to install in-ground swimming pools and other construction. Operating under multiple business names including Heron Creek Landscaping and Pools, Premier Pools and Spas, Regal Water LLC, and Stiles Group LLC, Stiles received more than $1.5 million in payments, police said, but he never began or completed any of the projects.
Police obtained warrants for his arrest and, on Oct. 7, and Stiles turned himself in at Troop 4. He was charged with seven counts theft where property value is $100,000 or more, four counts theft where property value is $50,000 to $100,000, theft $1,500 or more where the victim is 62 or older, four counts theft by false pretense over $1,500, seven counts home improvement fraud of $100,000 or more, six counts home improvement fraud of $50,000 to $100,000, home improvement fraud where the victim is 62 or older, two counts home improvement fraud by false pretense over $1,500, two counts home improvement fraud over $1,500, and two counts issuing a bad check equal or over $1,500.
Stiles was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 3, and released on a $187,500 unsecured bond.
Detectives ask anyone who may have been defrauded by Stiles in a similar manner to contact Troop 4 Financial Crimes Unit at 302-856-5850. Information may also be provided by sending a Private Facebook Message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.
The Cape Gazette published an article about home improvement fraud, including allegations of Stiles’ customers, in the Oct. 8 edition. View it online here.
