Saraland Pool Contractor Pleads Guilty to Cheating Customers, Faces Growing Legal Woes

SARALAND, AL (BuzzReport)– A Saraland pool contractor, accused of taking money for unfinished work, pleaded guilty Tuesday to theft charges, marking a partial resolution in a case that highlights ongoing consumer complaints and significant financial judgments.

Regan Hutson, owner of Gulf Coast Pool Service, entered a guilty plea to fourth-degree theft in connection with allegations that he defrauded a Mobile County woman. Investigators stated Hutson accepted payment to repair her pool but never completed the job.

Originally charged with the more serious offense of theft by deception, Hutson’s plea agreement resulted in a one-year suspended sentence and two years’ probation. As part of the terms, Hutson also committed to making restitution to the victim. The specific amount of restitution was not immediately disclosed.

The criminal conviction is not the only legal hurdle for Hutson. In a separate civil suit stemming from similar allegations, a judge previously ordered him to pay more than $100,000 to a different aggrieved customer. Furthermore, court records confirm a second civil lawsuit is currently pending against Hutson, suggesting a pattern of alleged non-performance and financial disputes.

While the guilty plea in the criminal case provides some closure for at least one victim, the growing number of legal actions against Gulf Coast Pool Service and its owner underscores potential broader issues for consumers in the local area seeking pool repair and installation services. Authorities have not commented on whether further criminal charges are anticipated.