This browser does not support the Video element.
Former Houston firefighter convicted in scam
In an Only on FOX report, we told you about a former Houston firefighter accused of stealing thousands of dollars from investors and customers in a pool company scam. Now, he's a convicted felon. FOX 26 Randy Wallace reports on the update to the story he broke in 2019.
HOUSTON - It was 2019 when we first reported on former Houston Firefighter Spencer Craig and his now-defunct Stonewall Pools Company.
A jury in Montgomery County found Craig guilty of first-degree felony aggregate theft and first-degree felony fraud.
"I thought he was a great guy very likable," said DD Pratt.
To some of his victims, Craig was like a member of the family.
"We were buddies after he built our pool," Willie Pratt said.
SUGGESTED: HPD officer receives Officer of the Year Award after stopping gunman on dangerous crime spree
The Pratt's say they invested tens of thousands of dollars in Craig's pool company which turned out to be a lie.
"He's a crook and a scam artist," said DD. "He's not going to stop."
"I would add the word predator because he preys on people," Willie said.
This browser does not support the Video element.
People say firefighter in charge of sophisticated financial scam
*EDITOR'S NOTE: This video is from September 2019. FOX 26 News reporter Randy Wallace reports on the story.
In addition to leaving customers with unfinished pools several people like Kelly Hall say they've lost thousands of dollars they gave Craig to invest in his Stonewall Pool Company.
Kelly Hall's husband is a Captain with the Houston Fire Department.
"There was no pool company," she said.
This browser does not support the Video element.
Hall says they lost $50,000 and have little to no hope of getting any of it back.
Rachelle Guillory says she too lost $50,000 that she says she loaned to Craig.
"I almost feel like I have loan PTSD," she said. "If somebody asks me for 20 dollars, I'm like no I can't."
"Twelve total strangers plus a judge said you did this," Willie Pratt said. "I want him to look me in the eye and say I'm sorry Mr Pratt for stealing your money."
"If he's going to do it to us his friends his neighbors to people who trust him, he's going to keep doing it," Kelly Hall said.
Spencer Craig will be sentenced by the Judge on Jan. 12, 2024 and he faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.