For Immediate Release
October 20, 2022

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Fla. – After an FDLE investigation, Tracy Matthew McClain, 42, Altha, was arrested for a scheme to defraud homeowners by taking large deposits to install in-ground residential swimming pools, but never completing them.  McClain is the owner of Blue Water Pools.  Franklin County Sheriff’s Office assisted in this case.
    
FDLE Tallahassee Special Agent in Charge Mark Perez said, “More than a dozen victims faithfully saved to afford a swimming pool, some paying as much as 90 percent of the overall cost. But McClain failed to fulfill a single installation.  I thank our FDLE agents and deputies at the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office for their work on this investigation to stop this fraud.” 

Franklin County Sheriff A.J. “Tony” Smith said, “We appreciate the assistance of our state partners to bring people to justice like McClain, who knowingly victimize trusting citizens of Franklin County.”

The case began in June 2021 to assist Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, but became an FDLE investigation when victims were identified in multiple jurisdictions.  In total, McClain accepted nearly $400,000 across thirteen separate contracts with 23 individuals suffering financial loss by McClain’s scheme to defraud. Victims were identified in Franklin, Leon, and Gulf counties.

McClain was arrested in September by Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and agents say there could be additional victims in Franklin and Gulf counties. 

If you have information about this case or believe you may have been a victim, please contact FDLE Tallahassee at 800-342-0820.