Olympus Pools clients could be eligible creditors in personal bankruptcy, legal witnesses say

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – James Staten, owner of the now-closed Olympus Pools, and his wife Alexis, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy this week.

The case gave a glimpse into the couple’s and the company’s debt, accused of collecting payments for hundreds of pools he couldn’t complete.

The case is being followed closely by consumers who wonder where their money has gone and if they can get it back.

Lawyer John Anthony is not part of this case but has reviewed the case file.

“Owners cannot hide behind the corporate veil for their own business decisions and mistakes,” he said.

Trade bonds are included in this bankruptcy filing and Anthony says allegations of embezzlement could put consumers in the deal.

“Normally, this company, the responsibility would end there, but if what is really going on here is that we have dozens of owners who have innocently deposited deposits while waiting for the work to be completed, that’s something. something that could give rise to individual responsibility, ”he said.

Anthony recommends that affected consumers attend the first creditors meeting.

“It would be a good opportunity to have the directors sworn in and you can ask them questions. It’s not going to last two days, but in a case like this I’m sure the US Trustee will allow some liberality in terms of people asking questions, ”he said.

Back to the disaster in the backyard of the Schouest, there are many questions. On the one hand, Tiffany wonders why Staten’s bankruptcy filing includes a list of “necessary expenses” of $ 17,888 – per month.

“I mean almost $ 18,000 a month after you declared bankruptcy, after you all left us, took all of our money, hundreds and hundreds of pools, millions and millions of dollars, where is- he passed? ” she asked.

The creditors hearing is set for October 28 in downtown Tampa. This is the hearing where Anthony recommends that potential creditors ask questions. The deadline for filing individual complaints is December 15th.

Affected consumers can also file a claim with the state’s construction stimulus fund. Keep in mind, however, that there is a cap and there is probably not enough money to cover all claims.