Bad pool builder - and his attorney - are in over their head

A Macomb County pool builder who faces felony charges for taking money and not doing the work was in court this week. The guy Rob Wolchek put in the Hall of Shame didn't really have anything to say, but his lawyer did.
FOX 2 Detroit is working for you and delivers breaking news, live events, investigations, politics, entertainment, business news and local stories from Detroit, Michigan, and across the nation.
Stream FOX 2 Detroit on your connected TV. FOX LOCAL is your free 24/7 streaming connection to everything happening in Detroit. Get LIVE FOX 2 newscasts plus top local on-demand news content. Search FOX LOCAL on your connected TV.
Learn more: bit.ly/FOXLocal.
#FOX2Detroit #News #Detroit

[@charlenemack7040]

Why is the pool guy walking around feeling his nipples?

[@MustafarRecRoom]

Seriously....that's almost more upsetting than the fraud.

[@piratekingluffy376]

@@MustafarRecRoomfrauds shouldn’t go to prison, the public should be aloud to deal with frauds themselves on their own terms

[@pasques]

he knows he's being filmed. he's trying to get the film "banned" .

[@ivanesparza9473]

The amount of times this guy raises his shirt and rubs his belly in public is astonishing

[@wendyargyle2333]

Or tweaks his nipples!

[@rumple7551]

It's a soothing technique stops him from crying😢

[@surpriseimblack]

No it's hot as EFF in Florida..

[@surpriseimblack]

I don't then why anyone would want to live there

[@RXbee2]

He's tweaking his nipples! Freak

[@totukimou]

Look at his mugshot, he was crying to the cops too!!! What a clown...

[@kathyr.8135]

Where can I find it ? Hahahahaha. It’s a game

[@ThomasJones-ij6hv]

​@@kathyr.8135 it's in the video.

[@coolcreamykiwi]

This reporter is AWESOME!! KING OF KINGS!

[@JohnSmith-4U]

Rob has been doing this type of investigating reporting since at least the early 2000's

[@stvnsn]

Is it me or does hiring a lawyer that has felony charges seem kinda foolish

[@3rdandlong]

It would make the top segment in Monty Pythons, "And Now For Something Completely Different" .

[@Priimacy]

just means the lawyer is cheaper for hire most of the time lol

[@ArtyBicardi]

This reporter is so sassy & shady and I LOVE every single second of it!!!!!

[@mwilliams1330]

I have seen a few videos of this type of local reporter around the country. Years ago I-team (investigative reporters) were on nearly every local station (even in small markets), covering everything from small consumer issues, to government internal problems. Budget cuts have made this type of reporting rare, but oh so needed.

[@Jet-stream898]

How is he shady? he seems very honest to me

[@HeyItsKesh]

Shady isn't the word I'd use....

[@NLBusiness391]

@@Jet-stream898you guys are misinterpreting the word “shady”. In this context, shady means “someone who throws shade”. It’s actually has a positive connotation in this context, meaning someone who is outspokenly snarky. I totally understand the misunderstanding though, since it’s a recent interpretation of the word.

[@Jet-stream898]

@@NLBusiness391 awesome, thanks for the clarification, you are NOT in the Haaaaaaal of shame !

[@bootziecuppie487]

Omg!! I want this reporter or reporters like this guy who actually confront people on their B.S and scams!! This guy is fantastic!!😂

[@Aurorasr91rs91]

Been watching these on youtube and omg that guy is awesome! Presenting the facts but also literally shaming those scummy fraudsters.

[@lisagrafton2529]

Thank you for warning consumers about unscrupulous "contractors" and their equally unscrupulous "lawyers"! Without reporters like you, many consumers wouldn't have a voice!

[@Grejegando]

Who pays a contractor 100% in advance? That's insane. Unfortunately I think kind-hearted people are usually the ones who get targeted by scammers like him. He receives a 30% advance payment then cries his way to a 100%.

[@mjbl1787]

youd be surprised how many do it. texas is full of scammer pool builders. My neighbor down the stret got theirs built to about 60% and contractor disappeared. They had to come up with 40k to get someone else to finish it

[@littlejackalo5326]

Normal for the pool industry in 2020-2022. The pool industry experienced a huge boom and consolation by private equity. Builders were booked out 2-4 years, and if you wanted to get on the books, you need to pay. Now hundreds of builders can't build the pools.

[@Grejegando]

@@littlejackalo5326 Maybe you're right, but how does a 100% payment make a difference if the contractor is busy with jobs-in-hand and signed contracts. When someone asks for 100% advance payment it means they either have cashflow issues or won't deliver up to standard, thus won't be held accountable. The last payment is your only bargain and their incentive to fix any unsatisfactory work or poor workmanship. How else will you get them to deliver if they don't give a damn about your online review or don't even have a physical company location. People should really do a research and put effort in it.

[@user-zp7jp1vk2i]

this guy slick and doesn't look like he does any real work, nor does he intend to. we had his type show up at my lady friends house and she's a CONSUMER (I want it, I want it now, it's all about me) and cut him a full check. AND she's a LEGAL ADVOCATE. He sued US (I had de nada to do with the reno) and she finally won, but....lesson learned? NO, she's a consumer. and thinks like one.

[@guysabol8743]

yep 40% front...40% half done 20% completion

[@mattsohn3442]

As a contractor myself, it sickens me how awful companies like these reflect poorly on all of us.

[@barrymcdougal4816]

BET HIS LAWYER HAS A BRAND NEW POOL ---

[@ronschultz2625]

New pool built by a real contractor with the stolen money from the fake POS

[@VioletWings1353]

I absolutely love this investigative report!

[@user-fy9wc4hx2c]

Awesomeness! Keep it up! Catching the bad guys one by one!

[@s.h.harvey1656]

This was a good one! These scammer type criminals have zero regard for what the victims go through in situations like this......nor do they care. It's not just the lack of a pool, there is so much more that they have to suffer through. I found extra pleasure in seeing the cocky lawyer called out....now that was fun.

[@barrieracc7634]

Well, he is scamming really wealthy people with funds to afford this. Oddly enough though, our society comes down much harder on those who scam the rich than those who rob old people of their entire pension and cause them to die.

[@theworldisavampire3346]

Aint nobody but me wondering why he keeps pweeking his nippies?

[@auaiao9]

Maybe it calms him down and soothes him.

[@billybandyk0720]

​@@auaiao9Nah; it's all an act.

[@gonefishing6957]

Wow,even his lawyer has felonies🤦‍♂️🤯😮. Not funny for the people who got scammed. Hopefully they will get reimbursed.

[@norml.hugh-mann]

I smell a bankruptcy....that's usually what happens. He will get a judgement but the victims will be lucky to get pennies on the dollar

[@barrieracc7634]

Took the breaking bad advice of needing a *criminal* lawyer.

[@Grejegando]

Highly doubtful they'll get anything. I don't think his company has assets or even furniture to sell.

[@wa210]

Breaking a leg or two usually gets the perps attention.

[@TJCarpentryServices]

They wont get a thing

[@JaredFleischer]

We need the hall of shame in Boston. This dude is too funny

[@bn_2759]

He looks like an off-brand Zach Wilson

[@clementthurn1992]

What a uncaring, narcissistic, unfeeling, horrible crook. Throw him and his attorney in prison for 30 days with nothing but bread and water.

[@LONEWOLF78.]

And his GF

[@johnbaldock6353]

2 for 1. Now that's Reporting!!🇬🇧👏

[@glbernini0]

It's disgusting that rhe courts set up a time for the victims to get justice & then blew them off!

[@angelataylor3822]

His wife looks like she enjoys the stolen money they both need to go to prison

[@douglasb5046]

Let’s see how long she hangs around with him in jail

[@crisflores4913]

love this reporter!! GET EM!!!

[@coloradod3649]

Oh my gosh, I love this reporter!

[@bigalskee6353]

I am glad I caught part 1 of this I’m really hoping both these greedy crooks get more than what they deserve.

[@sj1547]

Good reporting. Great job

[@drhouse7264]

There’s too many of these turds out there. Keep exposing them

[@kbrown1350]

I noticed the pool contractor that was crying to his customers because he didn't have enough money to finish the job was driving an Audi RS7 which go for roughly $110,000 new. I guess when you actually don't do the work you are paid to do you can afford high-end vehicles.

[@user-zp7jp1vk2i]

slick boy was all suited up; the world is there to pay HIS bills, not the other way around.

[@dontputcommentshere1324]

Not surprising that a crooked, scamming contractor would have a lying criminal for an attorney.

[@56Truex]

Keep snuffing them out Rob !

[@petergibbons607]

nice job!! we need more people like you.

[@icu1585]

When did pools become $150,000?

[@ferraridan4883]

$500,000 in Middle Tennessee

[@zorro4962]

Absolutely love your journalism on these cases!

[@drewski1535]

6:09 Ooooo i love this reporter nice approach 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@ispeed7013]

“And his attorney’s” this news crew is awesome haha 😂

[@user-ot1hn1yb6y]

throw him and his lawyer under the jail...

[@pamellaarias]

The wife smirking and supporting her lying thief husband is pathetically funny.

[@cullancontos8597]

I love the hall of shame, you really can’t make this shit up!

[@THELEGENDOFTHESHADOW29]

I love how they run away and refuse to answer questions

[@mschwes5376]

Glad to see the police and prosecutors getting involved in these type of cases. If someone came up to you, stuck a gun in your face, and took $500 from your wallet they would certainly get arrested for armed robbery. But 99 times out of 100, if a contractor comes to your house, promises to do work, takes $10,000 from you, and never does the work the police almost always will say “it’s a civil matter“. That’s also theft and should be prosecuted every time.

[@cattnipp]

Great work!

[@Ghostdogsurvivalist]

The prosecutor should ask the judge to remove counsel. This has appeal written all over it.

[@mwilliams1330]

Honestly surprised the bar has not stepped in and suspended his law license until his personal case is resolved. Not saying to remove his license (yet), but many professional individuals are not permitted to practice while under investigation.

[@joemunch58]

counsel

[@Ghostdogsurvivalist]

Good catch. @@joemunch58

[@megaauburnfan21]

@@mwilliams1330 Why would they step in? He hasn't been convicted, plus in order to disbar someone, typically, it has to be an action involving moral turpitude.

[@megaauburnfan21]

News flash: you can't remove the other side's attorneys because they might use their right to an appeal.

[@angelataylor3822]

Never give your money away until the job is complete..don’t be stupid

[@ronberman8947]

I love that his family is avoiding him like the " plague " in court....Rob Wolcek is the " Goat " of reporters in America. Come to Ottawa. I'll buy you dinner...

[@HighPowerOptionsTrades]

Is Brandon wearing a Tuxedo 😡😒😂😡😒😂😡😒😂😡😒😂

[@jonlee2217]

Probably the only suit he owns. I bet he bought it for his high school prom.

[@HighPowerOptionsTrades]

@@jonlee2217 🤨🤨🤨🤨🤨🤨😂🤣😂🤣😂

[@Dan-vo7vc]

Haha I was wondering that, too -- that was quite a shiny lapel....

[@HighPowerOptionsTrades]

@@Dan-vo7vc 😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂

[@jbrumundsmith]

Rob is the greatest person on KZbin.

[@CHANNELS647]

Is brandon wearing a tuxedo to court? 😂😅😂

[@Whatamidoinghere262]

This randomly showed up on my feed and I’m now hooked.

[@papabearfox8791]

You are the GOAT!

[@AR21]

I love it. The hall of shame!!

[@shawn2380]

Dang... that was awesome. Not usually a fan of news shows but this was cool. That attorney ( probably soon ex-attorney) got "served" hard.

[@RedtideFla]

Ah Michigan. The corrupt nightmare of a liberal state. Glad i left it in 96.

[@Dan-vo7vc]

We're okay with you leaving, too 😂

[@RedtideFla]

@@Dan-vo7vc just make sure you stay there

[@SeriouslyIssues]

Yo this guys stories are hilarious 😂

[@marksevastipol1946]

If only he crossed the irs

[@gggina4769]

There needs to be a country accessible program where individuals can give input on any & all unlicensed handymen , contractors and any persons doing ANY improvements and/or services to a paying customer. And unlike "Angie's list", this site should be free, with donations, to all bringing reviews to the page.

[@ericconnor8419]

I am an honest contractor and I think you have not thought that through. Blokes like this would be the first to use the site to damage their competitors. What is to stop tradesmen giving bad reviews to other companies? We don't have 'handyman licences' here we rely on word of mouth. Don't use a contractor unless you can see completed examples of their work or know somebody that has used them that is your best defence. The internet can be gamed.

[@MisterEko888]

In prison they will soon call him Brenda😂😂

[@beakt]

6:00 Rob's tone is always perfect. "Is that you, Mr. Franklin? Right there? Who also has felony charges?" LOLOLOL

[@drewski1535]

THE HAAAAALL OF SHAME

[@willscheck8072]

I hope he has a plan for his future . he's digging himself a big hole and life plays for keeps. i hope he learns his lesson before (they) come for him. they always come some before some after.

[@Nessa_Va]

Your so petty I love it 😂❤

[@HighDef69]

To hire a Contractor make sure they are Licensed, Insured and Bonded! I know this because I used to work for a Remodeling Company.

[@friedmml]

dinner jacket to court? this dude is fancy like applebee's....smh

[@melblack7412]

I never understand how these people don't think they're going to get caught.

[@keithjohnson6168]

Fashionably late to the party, about four months too late 😂. Love the video, exposing these individuals. I don't even live in Detroit! 😝

[@bbiancini]

Tuxedo in a courtroom? This isn’t Saturday night bubba 😁 🤵‍♂️

[@pkrent3461]

His wife is like: this idiot is making me a LOT of money 😂😂

[@frankvqz3799]

Oh how proud his wife is. Scammers

[@joeyvindictive3552]

I wish Rob would say "Don't say anything if you're guilty"

[@brutusofnn]

Great ole school, advocacy reporting. It’s a shame that more journalist / reporters don’t app,y themselves to this trade. Expose the liars stop trying be the center of news.

[@reecethe]

Rob used uno reverse on Lawyer *its very effective*

[@karalyndurnell]

Great reporter!

[@thisduderockz]

you know its bad when your attorney needs attorneys 😭😂

[@phobos258]

man i love the HALLLLLLL OF SHAME

[@TheRussellStover]

Need an update on the lawyer!

[@dopiminecraver2667]

Rob makes me laugh at these clowns🤣

[@ryanthec]

Accountability needs a come back in America

[@turtletruth]

Excellent reporting ...

[@meanmugging]

When your lawyer is tripping you to run away from the reporters faster than you, might be time for a new lawyer

[@cletusclucker]

lmao he wore a tux type suit to court 😂

[@happycamper4483]

When the scammer gets busted the frightening music at 0:56 gets serious 😂. The scammer's lawyer has legal issues. Thank you Rob

[@pianomanhere]

I'd say what these two guys are, but it might unjustly insult a lot of piles of useful manure on farms.

[@jessica386m]

😂😂😂😂 love this reporter!

[@RipperYouTubeOfficial]

I love Rob! You've messed with the wrong reporter!!! Hahahahaha

[@jgg204]

The biggest mistake here is these people paying for jobs before they are even complete. Why are people paying $100,000 to a contractor for a $125,000 pool job, before they even get through 50% of the work?

[@Larry-325]

This guy and his Lawyer “Better call Saul” great job ! Stay on those dirt balls!!

[@user-ct1lf3hf1v]

Keep up the good work I gave the video a thumbs up

[@justwatchinguboob]

How do you hire a lawyer with felony charges pending

[@mavabrother3149]

This reporter is the best 👌 😅

[@randystanton1224]

No way he gets over 2.5yrs. Good cost of doing business if he put some back. Business the American way.

[@daynasafranek7807]

He keeps rubbing his nipples 😂😂

[@maurreese]

5:53 I screamed!!!😂😂😂😂

[@blazetechstudios]

Would you say they are…under water?

[@mainsocial1105]

Love this reporter!

[@billybandyk0720]

Rob Wolchek belongs in his own HALL OF SHAME!!!!! Just kidding; luv how he says "HALL OF SHAME".

[@9InchHandle]

Gotta admit.. This is pretty good journalist work.

[@RobertLanden1]

This reporter sure knows how to slam business criminals. I'd like to see him go after government criminals who use laws as excuses to punish peaceful people for disobedience.

[@gerardogarza3645]

🤷🏽‍♂️ nahh , then he’s spend too much time going after the biggest criminal in us history , besides we already have Jack Smith , Fani Willis and Leticia James on his big ass 👌🏽👌🏽🥳🥳

[@Videoandme1]

"Don't run away from pressure" - the scammer also the scammer: runs away when pressured.

[@karltitz1725]

I sat with an half done pool for a year when the contractor bought christmas for family and friends and left the guests of my business high and dry until the next christmas when he most likely scammed the next customer to complete my pool.

[@JohnSmith-4U]

the wife looks like a "Hawk Tuah" model

[@Jet-stream898]

He’s in the Haaaaal of Shame !

[@braddivens5179]

"Auto Accident Attorneys" is such a shady fcking name hahaha