Delaware State Police

Superintendent Colonel William Crotty

State Police Detectives Arrest Millsboro Man for Home Improvement Fraud

Date Posted: Tuesday, October 8th, 2024

Delaware State Police have arrested 51-year-old Frank Stiles (aka Frank Smith) of Millsboro, Delaware for home improvement fraud following multiple investigations.

Beginning in February of 2023, Troop 4 Financial Crimes Detectives began investigating Frank Stiles for home improvement fraud. Stiles operated under multiple business names, including Heron Creek Landscaping and Pools, Premier Pools and Spas, Regal Water LLC, and Stiles Group LLC. During the investigations, detectives learned that Stiles had signed contracts with sixteen victims to install in-ground swimming pools and do other outdoor construction. Stiles received over $1,500,000 in payments. In all cases, Stiles either never began or never completed these projects.

Detectives obtained warrants for his arrest and on October 7, 2024, Stiles turned himself in at Troop 4. He was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 3, and released on a $187,500 unsecured bond.

Theft Where Property Value is $100,000 or More (Felony) – 7 counts
Theft Where Property Value is $50,000 – $100,000 (Felony) – 4 counts
Theft $1,500 or More where the Victim is 62 or Older (Felony)
Theft by False Pretense Over $1,500 (Felony) – 4 counts
Home Improvement Fraud $100,000 or More (Felony) – 7 counts
Home Improvement Fraud, $50,000 – $100,000 (Felony) – 6 counts
Home Improvement Fraud where the Victim is 62 or Older (Felony)
Home Improvement Fraud by False Pretense over $1,500 (Felony) – 2 counts
Home Improvement Fraud over $1,500 (Felony) – 2 counts
Issuing a Bad Check Equal or Over $1,500 (Felony) – 2 counts

Detectives are asking anyone who may have been defrauded by Stiles in a similar manner to please contact Troop 4 Financial Crimes Unit by calling 302-856-5850. Information may also be provided by sending a Private Facebook Message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.