Pool contractor sentenced to 5 years after leaving families’ backyards in ruin
By Jennifer Mayerle
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MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — A pool contractor at the center of a WCCO investigation, who promised a pool but never delivered, will spend five years in federal prison.
On Thursday, the judge handed down a higher sentence for Charles Workman than the recommended range. U.S. Marshals took him out of court in handcuffs to begin serving his sentence right away.
Workman was ordered to pay more than $1.1 million in restitution to victims.
This all started four years ago when families contacted WCCO saying Workman took their money but left their backyards in ruin.
The indictment for wire fraud says Workman spent some of what people paid him on child support, at the casino and on a horse and saddle.
“We were seen, we were heard. Finally, to hear it validated from a trusted source that like this was calculated deception. It was routine. It was repetitive, it wasn’t us being naive. None of that kind of stuff,” said Kyle Swenson.
In court, Workman choked up, admitting he thought he could fix this, and he was wrong.
Victims told the judge of the stress, anxiety, broken trust, savings drained and family dreams dashed.
“And it keeps me up at night. It still does, and it probably forever will,” said Swenson.
Judge Michael Davis called Workman’s crimes egregious.
“The judge looked him in the eye after we gave our impact statements, and after he sentenced him, and the judge said ‘I don’t believe you. I think you’re a very skilled manipulator.’ Called him a sociopath,” said Cassie Fisher.
The victims say they are grateful there is finally accountability.
“Physically feels better. Mentally, we’ll have some relief. But I mean, it will, it’ll carry with us, unfortunately. But we’re smiling,” said Swenson.
After he finishes his sentence, Workman will face an additional three years probation. He has 14 days to appeal.
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