News
May 31, 2026
Illinois pool contractor charged with fraud

An Illinois pool contractor is facing multiple felony charges after prosecutors alleged he accepted payments for swimming pool and backyard projects not completed.

Chad A. Phillips, 30, of East Alton, Illinois, was charged May 11 in Madison County with three counts of home repair fraud, two counts of theft over $10,000 and one count of theft over $500, according to local reporting by The Telegraph and Madison County court records.

The charges stem from three separate residential projects involving swimming pools, fencing, landscaping and concrete decking work in Brighton, Collinsville, and East Alton.

According to charging documents cited by local media, prosecutors allege Phillips entered into agreements for the projects, accepted payments from customers and then failed to perform the promised work. In multiple counts, prosecutors alleged Phillips promised work “which he did not intend to perform.”

One of the largest projects involved a Brighton homeowner who reportedly signed a contract worth approximately$91,000foraswimming pool, fencing and landscaping project. Prosecutors allege the homeowner ultimately lost $29,423.

According to court documents, the alleged conduct in that project stretched from July 23, 2022, through Oct. 1, 2024.

Another alleged victim in Collinsville reportedly contracted with Phillips for a swimming pool and concrete decking project valued at approximately $85,000. Prosecutors allege $12,750 was taken in that case.

A third East Alton homeowner reportedly signed a contract worth approximately $65,000 for a swimming pool project. Prosecutors allege $9,268 was taken while the promised work was not completed. Combined alleged losses in the three criminal cases exceed $51,000, though the total value of the projects themselves was substantially higher.

Illinois business records show Phillips was listed as the registered agent for All-American Pool and Spa Designs, LLC, a Metro East poolconstruction business formed Dec. 1, 2021. State records currently list the company status as “Involuntary Dissolution.”

The criminal case, filed as 2026CF001166 in Madison County, remains pending. Phillips was reportedly released from custody pending trial.

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