A local business owner is facing charges of fraud.
The Sarnia Police Service fielded a number of complaints recently regarding the Sarnia Pool Company, including allegations of fraud.
In two incidents dating back to 2021, it's alleged the accused made arrangements to install pools for the victims by the spring of 2022. Police said large deposits were taken to ensure the job was done. In one incident work was started but never finished, while nothing was done on the second installation job.
In another complaint, police said a heater was paid for in full in February 2022, but never delivered or installed.
As a result of the three investigations, police said 71-year-old Markus Martens of Sarnia is charged with two counts of fraud over $5,000 and one count of fraud under $5,000.
Sarnia police said when hiring a company for a large job, check online for references to ensure you don't encounter a similar situation.