A Louisville resident has pleaded guilty to federal charges after defrauding more than 50 customers through her pool installation business. Tracy Davenport, 51, admitted in court on February 19, 2026, that she and others under her direction persuaded customers to sign contracts and pay large down payments for pool installations. According to court documents, the funds were used for purposes other than what was agreed upon.
Davenport entered a guilty plea to wire fraud, bankruptcy fraud, and money laundering as part of a nineteen-count indictment. She is scheduled for sentencing on May 20, 2026. The court will determine her sentence based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other legal factors. Davenport will also be required to pay at least $3,398,536.75 in restitution.
United States Attorney Kyle Bumgarner commented on the case: “This fraudulent conduct had a significant financial and emotional impact on many people. This defendant created numerous truly innocent victims who worked hard and, in some cases, worked their entire lives to be able to purchase a pool only have their money stolen. I am thankful to our law enforcement partners for everyone’s contributions toward attempting to right this wrong.”
Commonwealth’s Attorney Gerina D. Whethers stated: “I want to applaud the extensive and outstanding work of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky. The continued support of our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners towards this case is a testament to what can be achieved through strong partnerships. These collaborations were all instrumental in this case’s resolution.” She also recognized Detective Michael Smithers for his efforts: “I also want to particularly commend Commonwealth Attorney’s Detective Michael Smithers, who was instrumental in ensuring justice was served. His pursuit of this effort was over and beyond his day-to-day duties with us. His dedication to the victims in this case ensured the tools were there for this prosecution to be done at the federal level.”
Federal authorities noted that parole is not available within the federal system.
The investigation involved multiple agencies including the FBI Louisville Office and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation unit, with support from local police and prosecutors as well as the United States Trustee’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Elver is prosecuting the case.
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