In a significant legal development for consumers in Utah, Robert P. Riley, the owner of Triton Pool and Spa, was convicted last month of fraud charges following a trial in Ogden. The jury found Riley guilty of one count of communications fraud and one count of theft by deception, both stemming from allegations that he defrauded local families out of substantial sums of money. With a potential sentence of up to 30 years in prison, Riley's fate now hinges on a sentencing hearing that has yet to be scheduled. However, this is not the end of Riley's legal troubles; he currently faces five additional criminal cases in Weber and Davis counties, which echo the same allegations of fraud and deception presented during his recent trial. The Weber County Attorney's Office presented evidence that Riley took approximately $62,000 from a family in Farr West. Although he began work on a swimming pool, which included digging a hole in their backyard and installing a pool liner along with utilities, he failed to complete the project. Prosecutors argued that much of Riley's work did not meet building codes, and he neglected to seek necessary inspections, leading to additional costs and delays for the families involved. The Utah Division of Professional Licensing has issued multiple citations against Riley and Triton for various infractions, including the failure to obtain building permits and working beyond the limits of their contractor's license. Riley's company has also operated under the name Colloseo, LLC. In a prior interview with FOX 13, he attributed delays in construction to a combination of weather conditions, supply chain shortages, and customer-requested changes mid-project. Despite his claims, he failed to provide any documentation supporting his assertions of changes requested by clients, further raising doubts about his credibility. In court, discrepancies in his personal details also emerged; while he initially stated that his middle initial was 'P,' court records confirm that it is actually 'Patrick.' After the jury's verdict, Riley's attorney declined to comment on the case, and he remains in custody at the Weber County Jail. Victims of Riley's alleged fraudulent activities are anxiously awaiting restitution, and several families have taken legal action against him through civil lawsuits. For instance, Tiffany Flygare, who filed a lawsuit against Riley, secured a judgment of $42,500 but has faced challenges in collecting the awarded amount. Reflecting on her experience, Flygare expressed hope that the outcome of the case would shed light on similar situations faced by other consumers, saying, "Maybe the outcome of this will help other people under the same situation as us, I hope." Flygare's lawsuit provides a detailed account of her family's harrowing experience after hiring Riley in April 2023 to replace an existing pool at their North Ogden home. After the demolition, her yard was left in disarray, with dirt and debris scattered throughout. The situation worsened when Riley reportedly installed new walls that were incorrectly sized, leaving a hazardous, unfilled hole in her yard throughout the summer. Flygare noted that this situation led to her dog being injured after falling into the hole. Despite having made payments totaling $39,000, no one from Triton returned to the property to complete the work, prompting the family to seek legal recourse. During a recent hearing, Flygare declined to share specific details regarding her interactions with Riley, citing the ongoing criminal and civil proceedings. However, she did offer advice for homeowners seeking to hire contractors, emphasizing the importance of conducting thorough research. "Lessons we’ve learned: do your research when you hire anyone to do anything, small or large," she advised. She encouraged potential clients to verify a contractor's licensing status and ensure that their qualifications match the scope of work required. This information can be accessed through the Utah Division of Professional Licensing's online Licensee Lookup & Verification System. As the legal proceedings unfold, the case against Robert P. Riley serves as a cautionary tale for consumers in Utah and beyond. With mounting evidence and multiple victims stepping forward, the outcome of this case may not only impact Riley's future but also bring attention to the importance of consumer protections in the contracting industry. As families continue to navigate the aftermath of their experiences with Riley, the hope for justice and restitution remains a central theme in this ongoing saga.