Just one month before his scheduled jury trial, John Hartnett, former owner of Gulf Coast Boat Sales, has admitted to a felony charge of scheming to defraud.

Arrested two years ago following a 2017 News Channel 8 investigation that highlighted issues at his business, the case took years to progress through the legal system.

Hartnett allegedly defrauded at least 56 customers through boat sales and purchases, amassing approximately $800,000 in fraudulent gains.

Under his plea agreement, Hartnett will undergo 15 years of probation. He has surrendered $185,000 to assist in victim compensation and is obligated to pay $3,500 monthly in restitution.

The news investigation revealed numerous victims who either received undelivered boats, were unable to register their boats due to missing titles, or were not compensated for consigned boats.

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Rick Weaver, the first victim to seek help from WFLA, expressed concerns about the full reparation for all victims, stating, “Some of these people got ripped off for really huge amounts of money so that’s why I’m concerned that the amount that he split up isn’t anywhere near the amount I understood he had taken from people.”

After his arrest in 2022, Hartnett posted a $350,000 bail and continued managing Beachcat Boats, which was accused by investigators of being used for money laundering.

Initially, many customers were told their grievances were civil matters when they sought help in 2017. However, following several news reports, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office delved deeper into the matter.

Weaver acknowledged the persistence of the investigation, saying, “I appreciate the fact that you guys stayed on top of it and pushed it to make sure something happened and got the state attorney’s office involved and that’s why we are where we are today.”

The plea deal was motivated by the aim to ensure restitution for the victims, according to the prosecutor.

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(Image credit: Yelp website screenshot)