Minnesota Pool Contractor Sentenced to 60 Months’ Imprisonment for Defrauding 21 Customers

MINNEAPOLIS - United States Attorney Daniel N. Rosen announced that Charles Ray Workman, 41, of Scott County, was sentenced to 60 months in prison for wire fraud. He was sentenced before U.S. District Judge Michael J. Davis on September 3, 2026.

Workman was arrested on March 27, 2023, in Nashville, Tennessee, and pleaded guilty on September 16, 2025.

According to court documents, from in or about 2021 through 2022, the defendant defrauded 21 customers who hired Minnesota Crete Pools, LLC, a swimming pool construction company that Workman owned. He marketed swimming pools and installation services and had customers provide down payments, while knowing that the swimming pools he sold were unlikely to be completed.

Through his fraudulent scheme, Workman stole at least $820,000 from his customers and he was ordered to pay $1.15 million in restitution.

"Workman defrauded hardworking Minnesotans and used those funds to enrich himself. Today's sentence ensures that he is held accountable for his actions," said United States Attorney Daniel N. Rosen.

"Today's sentence shows there are real consequences for betraying the trust of Minnesotans investing in and improving their homes," said FBI Minneapolis Criminal Branch Assistant Special Agent in Charge Benni Jonsson. "Consumers should be able to hire a contractor who will put in the work promised. This outcome is also an opportunity to remind homeowners to carefully research contractors before handing over their hard-earned money. The FBI will continue to stand up for American consumers and hold accountable anyone who would seek to deceive and take advantage of them."

This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI, the Scott County Sheriff's Office, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and the Minnesota Attorney General's Office.

Note: Previous press release on the indictment here.