Bossier Sheriff Larry Deen says a Bossier businessman was arrested Monday afternoon for swindling thousands of dollars from customers after they paid for swimming pools or barns, only to have the man never deliver on the services. Douglas P. Crank, 40, of the 10000 block of Riding Club Lane in Shreveport, managed the now-defunct Crank’s Pools, Barns and Spas (aka, Crank’s Barn-Yard) at 8070 E. Texas St., in Bossier City just east of Louisiana Downs.  Bossier detectives discovered Crank had contracted to install above ground pools or barns for at least eight persons over the past five months. He took their funds up front, in full or partial payment, but would not start the job.  When the customers contacted Crank for their money back, he refused to pay.

After investigators began questioning Crank when they received complaints from the customers, he did refund three of the eight victims their full payment, but he still owed nearly $20,000 to five other victims.

Crank was arrested on warrants for four counts of felony theft by fraud with Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Department, two counts of issuing worthless checks (felony) with Bossier Parish, and one count of issuing worthless checks (fugitive) with Caddo Parish.  A fifth count for the felony theft by fraud charge will be added after the fifth victim from Arkansas contacted the Sheriff’s Department while Crank was being arrested on the above charges.  He was transported to the Bossier Maximum Security Facility and booked. His bond for Bossier Parish is set at $60,000.

Bossier Sheriff’s detectives are asking others who may have purchased a pool or barn from Crank at his business to contact the Bossier Sheriff’s Department at 965-220 and ask to speak with a detective.

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