A local business owner has been charged with a felony count of theft of property over $25,000 for taking funds for work and not providing services.
According to the probable cause affidavit, the Baxter County Sheriff’s Office received a report at the beginning of December from a homeowner where stated they had been a victim of theft.
The victim told officers he had contracted Southern Pool Co to construct an in-ground swimming pool at his residence. The July 2022 contract showed Southern Pool Co would install a 16′ x 40′ pool with accessories for an agreed price of $98,296, with a down payment of $50,000. Additional payments of $20,000 was to paid when the hole was dug, $20,000 once the pool was set, and a final payment of $4,185.72 when the job was completed and water has circulated for two days.
According to bank records, a check was written and given to 41-year-old Jessica Trivitt, the Proprietor of Southern Pool Co, for $50,000 on July 22, 2022 and deposited the same day.
Since the contract was signed, the victim stated no work has been performed, nor had any equipment been delivered to the job site. He told officers he attempted to contact Trivitt dozens of times by phone with no answer or returned calls. Just prior to filing the report with the sheriff’s office, he was able to contact Trivitt in person at Southern Pool Company, but with no satisfaction.
The affidavit also states similar reports have been made with the Baxter County Sheriff’s Office, along with other surrounding agencies where Trivitt has taken funds on behalf of Southern Pool Co and not provided any goods or services.
Trivitt was released from the Baxter County Detention Center on $75,000 bond. Court documents show she is scheduled in court January 23.
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