> Jury reaches verdict in trial of Olympus Pools owner accused of stealing $1.5 million from customers
Jury reaches verdict in trial of Olympus Pools owner accused of stealing $1.5 million from customers
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A jury reached a verdict on Friday in the trial for James Staten, the former owner of Olympus Pools. He's accused of taking $1.5 million from customers and not following through on their pools.
The jury found Staten guilty on 35 of 36 charges, including aggravated white collar crime, organized scheme to defraud, grand theft, misapplication of construction funds and contractor fraud.
Staten's sentencing is set for May 7.
Closing arguments wrapped up on Friday. Throughout the trial, investigators said Staten used the money for Super Bowl tickets, trips and jewelry. Staten said he had an agreement with another pool contractor, Jordan Hidalgo, to help finish the pools when he realized he needed more money.
“And in exchange for that, plus some other consideration which I can answer if you ask, but plus other things, in exchange, I was going to give him half of the company once we got it turned around,” Staten testified.
“Okay. So was your intent to continue to try to fulfill the orders that you had for pools, that Olympus had for pools?" his attorney asked.