- April 29, 2024
-
-
Loading
Loading
A pool subcontractor was arrested for exploiting and stealing from an elderly Bunnell resident on Feb. 14, according to a press release from the Bunnell Police Department.
The 73-year-old victim contacted Bunnell Police on Feb. 6 to report a case of fraud and theft.
The victim said he had contracted with Ohana Waters pool company in 2023 to install a pool. After the installation was completed, the victim purchased a Hayward OmniLogic full-function automation panel with phone control from one of the installers, Dominic Michael Solicito, 43, of Palm Coast. According to the press release, the victim paid Solicito $3,600 with a check for the panel with $250 for labor to be paid when the work was completed. Solicito told the victim he would complete the installation after the pool inspection scheduled for Nov. 15, 2023.
Following the pool inspection, Solicito contacted the victim and claimed the cost of the device had increased $300. On Dec. 21 the victim gave Solicito another check for $300. From that point, the victim and Solicito communicated several times by text messages, but no services were ever provided by Solicito.
Suspecting he was being scammed, the victim contacted Solicito on Jan. 10, and demanded the return of the $3,900. Solicito initially agreed to a full refund; however, no refund was ever provided.
The victim provided Bunnell Police with copies of the checks along with several documents and text threads with Solicito.
Ohana Waters owner Michael Rusche told Bunnell Police Detective Jeff Traylor the pool installation went smoothly, and he was unaware of Solicito’s actions afterwards. Rusche said this was not the first time Solicito “ripped off” customers and he had a history of not delivering and installing, and making excuses.
Rusche reported that Solicito told other customers he was taking over the pool installation business from Rusche. Rusche said this was false.
After obtaining a court order, Detective Traylor obtained Solicito’s bank records and confirmed the victim’s checks were deposited into Solicito’s account.
Solicito admitted he never called or ordered the device for the victim. On Feb. 14, Detective Traylor sought an arrest warrant charging Solicito with third-degree felony of grand theft from a person 65 years old or older. He was arrested and transported to the Flagler County Inmate Facility.
Bunnell Police Chief David Brannon commended the quick and thorough work by Detective Traylor.
"What happened in this case is despicable," Brannon said. "I applaud the victim ... who kept great records and wasn’t afraid to report this crime. We are concerned there may be other victims of Solicito out there who may be too embarrassed to report what happened to them."
If anyone has additional information about this or a related case, contact Detective Traylor at (386) 600-7954.
