An Ohio contractor accused of walking away from pool and pond projects — and leaving customers with major losses — is now facing a civil lawsuit.
Filed April 13, 2026, by Dave Yost in Delaware County Common Pleas Court, the lawsuit targets contractor Storm D. Mills and his company, Mills Water Management. The complaint alleges violations of Ohio’s Consumer Sales Practices Act and Home Solicitation Sales Act — laws designed to prevent deceptive business practices and regulate in-home sales.
According to the state, consumers across five northern Ohio counties nearly $250,000 after hiring Mills for residential pool and pond work.
Mills had been operating out of his home in Seneca County before relocating to Florida, where he has reportedly launched another poolrelated business.
The lawsuit centers on a pattern of complaints from customers who say projects were left unfinished — or never started at all. While the state is seeking to bar Mills from similar work, any such restriction would apply only within Ohio and would not automatically prevent him from operating in Florida.
“This guy skipped town and headed south, taking Ohioans’ money with him,” Yost said. “Floridians ought to take caution before diving into business with this scammer.”
Customer accounts described a familiar pattern: deposits paid, work promised, and then little or no followthrough. In one case, a pond project was started but abandoned before completion. In others, homeowners reported that little to no work was performed despite payment.
The lawsuit seeks restitution for affected consumers, civil penalties, and a court order to prevent similar conduct in the future. It is important to note that this is a civil case — no criminal charges or arrests have been announced.
The Attorney General’s office is also using the case as a reminder: Verify permits; check references and complaint histories; get multiple written estimates; and be cautious about large upfront payments or contracts requiring full payment before work is completed.
Consumers who believe they may have been affected are encouraged to file a complaint with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.
The case remains pending, and the allegations have not been proven in court.
