Carolina Hot Tub Repair customer receives refund following ABC11 story
CHATHAM COUNTY, N.C. (WTVD) -- Just last week I told you about a hot tub company that took hundreds of dollars for hot tub repairs without doing any work, but just 48 hours after our story aired, one of our viewers got results.
"It was a check, overnight delivery from UPS," said Andy Renz, a Carolina Hot Tub Repair customer. "He sent $745 back to us."
The package was a big surprise to Andy, who received a money order for the full amount that he had paid Carolina Hot Tub Repair back in March.
"He said the parts will be shipped to me. He would give me the tracking number, and as soon as they come, I call them and he comes and installs and he was talking about a week time frame," Andy said.
Yet no repair ever happened. Instead there was no sign of the owner who Andy knew as Charles Rawson.
However, after I investigated, we learned there were problems with that name, as the owner of Carolina Hot Tub Repair goes by several different aliases. Other names include Gordon Smith and C. Smith Gordan.
Plus, he's no stranger to problems when it comes to his hot tub companies. He's operated several different hot tub companies throughout North Carolina over the years and has been convicted of obtaining property under false pretenses and worthless checks.
In fact, investigators say he's not only done jail time but is on probation right now.
The same day our story aired, the Chatham County Sheriff's Office charged Smith with the felony obtaining property under false pretenses and failing to do work after being paid.
Just two days after our story, Andy got the full refund he's been waiting months for.
"First I wanted to thank you again and also the officer - both. AB11 that was great detective work. I think you were faster than police," Andy told me.
Detectives say Smith's charges still stand despite having paid Andy back. There is a warrant out for his arrest.
Besides Andy having problems, I have heard from three other Carolina Hot Tub Repair customers who say the owner took their money for repairs but has done no work.
Now that Andy has his money back, he says he's found a reputable company that will fix his hot tub.
Contact Troubleshooter Diane Wilson
