A pool contractor accused of leaving customers with cracked structures, unsafe installations and even gaping holes in their backyards is now facing a string of failed trials as prosecutors pursue 18 charges against him.
Prosecutors allege that Stevens carried out pool installations illegally, often building structures riddled with faults and in some cases failing to install a pool at all. Several homeowners were left with “giant holes in their backyards,” the court heard.
Stevens has pleaded not guilty to charges including theft, obtaining financial advantage by deception and using a false document. His legal battle has been anything but straightforward. His first trial, held in May 2025, was aborted after the presiding judge withdrew from the case.
A second trial began earlier this year, but jurors were discharged just one day after opening statements on February 25 due to issues with evidence. A third jury was empanelled soon after, only to be dismissed again on March 5.
Prosecutor Toni Stokes told the court that Stevens initially installed six compliant pools under the supervision of a registered builder. But once he began operating independently, he allegedly continued taking on projects without the required licence, registration, permits or insurance, leaving customers exposed to financial and safety risks.
The case is expected to return to court as prosecutors seek a path forward after multiple aborted trials.
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