LAS VEGAS, NV – A Las Vegas man is facing felony charges after allegedly scamming senior homeowners out of $250,000 with promises of solar panel installations that never materialized. The Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB) announced the arrest of Guadalupe Derek Carbajal, 43, a former contractor for Lifetime Power solar company.
Investigators allege that Carbajal contracted with homeowners over the past two years, collecting payments for solar panels without ever performing the work.
“The actions alleged in this case demonstrate a blatant disregard for vulnerable homeowners,” said NSCB Executive Officer Margi Grein. “The Nevada State Contractors Board is grateful for the collaboration with the Office of the Nevada Attorney General to secure these charges.”
Carbajal faces seven felony counts and one misdemeanor count of criminal theft. If convicted, he faces a potential prison sentence of up to 65 years.
The NSCB has established a specialized solar investigations unit to address a rising tide of complaints in the solar industry, including theft, fraud, unlicensed contracting, and project abandonment. Homeowners who believe they may have been victimized by a residential solar company are urged to file a complaint with the NSCB or contact them at SOLAR@NSCB.STATE.NV.US.
Eligible homeowners may receive up to $40,000 in financial compensation through the state’s Residential Recovery Fund.
Credits: News3LV
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