Amore Pools owner Chrystal Washburn sentenced to 30 years in prison for leading 'organized fraud scheme'

Treasure Coast – Tuesday June 25, 2024: Amore Pools owner Chrystal Washburn, 42, was sentenced today to 30 years in prison by 19th Circuit Court Judge Dan L. Vaughn.

During her trial last month, she was found guilty of engaging in an “organized scheme of fraud” by devising a pool contracting scheme that defrauded homeowners in the Treasure Coast and surrounding counties . There have been more than 120 Amore Pools victims who posted bonds for pools that were never built.

Washburn, a Vero Beach resident, was convicted of seven counts of identity fraud, two counts of money laundering, as well as insurance fraud and unlicensed contracting.

Washburn's husband, Bryan Washburn, 37, was convicted by a jury in 2022. He is currently serving 30 years in prison. He was convicted on nine counts, including identity theft and money laundering over $100,000, as well as participating in his wife's “organized scheme to defraud.”

Both Washburns were prosecuted by the Florida Attorney General's Statewide Prosecution Office.

“This couple promised to create dream pools, but left holes in the hearts and backyards of Floridians, abandoning pool plans and stealing more than $1.2 million in cash,” said Attorney General Ashley Moody in a statement released following Washburn's sentencing hearing.