Indiana
Lake Co., Indiana pool contractor Michael Nanay charged with theft, fraud; police seek more victims
LAKE COUNTY, Ind. (WLS) — Police in Indiana are asking for the public’s help locating more victims of a Northwest Indiana pool contractor who has been charged with theft and fraud.
The contractor, Michael Nanay, has been arrested and charged, but the Lake County Sheriff’s Department believes more victims could be out there.
Customers said Nanay assured them he could build their dream pool, but tens of thousands of dollars later they said all they are left with are gaping holes in their backyards and their money down the drain.
“It’s horrendous! And if it rains, it’s all mud,” said Jill Hoffman.
Hoffman and her fiancé William Hand said they wanted to build a new pool for their children. Three years later, their kids are what left with what looks like a crater in their back yard.
“I want to cry for them. Three summers they’ve missed out on swimming,” Hoffman said. “They’re crawling up mud to get to their swing set.”
The Dyer couple said they signed a contract with Nanay, of Mad Pools, in 2019 with work to start in 2020.
“They came in around the end of March, beginning of April, super excited,” Hoffman recalled.
But that excitement quickly turned into worry as they said Nanay and his team stopped showing up. While they eventually returned, it didn’t mean more work got done.
“The workers definitely didn’t know what they were doing. We were told they were knew and they didn’t know. You could tell it was a disaster,” Hoffman sad.
The couple said the contractor came back the next month, apologized for the mistakes and started from scratch. But after ripping everything out, they said he left and never came back. Instead, all they got were stories.
“His mother fell and broke her hip,” Hand said Nanay told them. “Another was his mom was in the hospital, and he almost cut off his finger.”
The couple had paid nearly $40,000 up front.
“It’s just heartbreaking. That money’s just gone,” Hoffman said.
Jennifer Krukowski of Cedar Lake, Ind., said Nanay took her money as well; two installments totaling $57,000, and left her backyard wrecked.
“There were a lot of excuses, unreturned phone calls and text messages,” she said.
Krukowski said when she confronted him, Nanay told her he had a stroke and stopped returning her calls.
“We’ve been deceived,” said Krukowski. “We are trusting people and so this hurts. This hurts.”
The Lake County Sheriff’s Department arrested Nanay and charged him with five felonies, including theft and home improvement fraud.
The department said it’s investigating 15 cases linked to the contractor and believe more victims could be out there.
“Some of these people are out $50,000, $60,000, $80,000, $100,000,” said Michael Stewart of the Lake County Sheriff’s Department. “What it has turned into is kind of like a pool Ponzi scheme almost. They way that it has been described is robbing Peter to pay Paul.”
Nanay pleaded not guilty. Over the phone, he told the ABC7 I-Team he was trying to finish the pools and work with people as best he can. He said he had a stroke last year, which left him partially blind, and said his employees took off while he was in the hospital. He said despite his back being against the wall, “I haven’t disappeared. I’m still here.”
He also said bad press will only make him lose more work, which will prevent him from paying his customers back. But the homeowners said they will continue to speak out.
“This guy had a thousand chances. He could have made this right. He could have been honest and he didn’t. So don’t feel bad, come forward and make it stop,” Hoffman said.
Nanay has been released on bond and his next court date is July 25.
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Indiana
Report: Rival executives monitoring Jarace Walker availability should Indiana Pacers keep Obi Toppin
According to a report from Michael Scotto in HoopsHype, some executives around the league are keeping an eye on Indiana Pacers forward Jarace Walker and his possible future should the Pacers retain Obi Toppin in free agency.
Toppin will be a restricted free agent this offseason, and Pacers general manager Chad Buchanan said that the franchise is interested in continuing their partnership. “Very happy with the fit. He seems to be happy here too as well,” Buchanan said of Toppin’s free agency. “Would like to continue the relationship, it’s all part of the business when you get into a contract situation. But, really happy with Obi as a Pacer.”
The 26-year old Toppin ended the 2023-24 campaign as Indiana’s backup power forward, which is viewed as Walker’s natural position. Should Toppin stay, he would join a second unit that could consist of T.J. McConnell, Bennedict Mathurin, Ben Sheppard, and a young center — such as Jalen Smith or Isaiah Jackson.
That leaves little room for Walker right now unless he can play more positions. That said, he is just 20-years old, and Indiana still is excited about his future. Walker was the eighth overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.
“We’re still big believers in Jarace and think there’s a lot of things that he can do that this roster needs,” Buchanan said of Walker while reviewing his rookie season.
The blue and gold are transitioning from a developing team into a group with expectations that is trying to win. At the same time, the idea of what Walker could be someday would fill a lot of the team’s weaknesses. They will try to develop him as fast as possible.
Rival executives are monitoring the situation, according to Scotto. “In other Pacers news, rival executives are monitoring whether the Pacers will keep forward Obi Toppin in restricted free agency. If the Pacers re-sign Toppin, several rival executives believe Jarace Walker could become a trade candidate and are monitoring the former No. 8 overall pick’s availability,” the report reads.
Toppin’s free agency still has not been resolved, and rival executives monitor many situations. It’s their job. Still, it is noteworthy that a similar report was published about Walker’s future back in January, and he was not traded and remained with Indiana.
Scotto’s entire report can be found here. Walker averaged 3.6 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game during his rookie season with the Pacers.
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Indiana’s unemployment rate hit 3.7% in May, up one-tenth of a percent from the previous month. The Indiana Department of Workforce Development said Tuesday that the state added 3,400 private sector jobs over April.
May’s unemployment rate marked the second consecutive month-over-month increase.
The DWD said Indiana’s total private employment stands at 2,850,400. The state primarily saw job gains in the trade, transportation and utilities; professional and business services; construction; financial activities; and leisure and hospitality sectors.
The state’s labor force participation rate fell one-tenth of a percent to 62.4%, which remains slight below the national rate of 62.5%. The labor force, which includes residents who are either employed or seeking employment, stands at 3,377,185, down nearly 1,700 from the previous month.
The DWD said the state had 98,693 open job postings as of June 17, while 19,458 unemployment insurance claims were filed as of the week ending May 25.
The state’s unemployment rate is lower than the national rate, which also rose one-tenth of a percent to 4% in May.
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INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Hoosiers can get ready for an eventful Adult Summer Camp hosted by Indiana State Museum on July 12 from 7-9 p.m.
The program is inspired by the new exhibit, Good Night Forest. The nature-inspired exhibit debuted June 8 and features hand drawn illustrations from local artist, Penelope Dullaghan.
Museum goers can enjoy outdoor activities such as archery, axe throwing, bubble bowling and an obstacle course. Activities are not limited to outdoors; visitors can also make friendship bracelets and tie-dye bandanas.
The museum’s galleries will be open for guided after-hours tours and nighttime stargazing.
This program is open to visitors 21 and older. Tickets are $45 for non-members, with a 10% discount for Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites members. Each ticket will include admission to the museum, access to all activities, snacks and one drink ticket.
Space for the summer camp is limited, tickets are available at IndianaMuseum.org.
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