Las Vegas contractor arrested, accused of collecting $250,000 without doing any work

LAS VEGAS (KTNV) – A Las Vegas contractor has been arrested and accused of collecting $250,000 without doing any work.

On Friday, the Nevada State Contractors Board announced that 43-year-old Guadalupe Derek Carbajal of Lifetime Power, located at 4083 Dean Martin Drive, was facing seven felonies and one misdemeanor.

Randy Escamilla, public information officer for the Nevada State Contractors Board, said most of the victims were unsuspecting elderly homeowners on the other side of the valley.

“The crimes in this case are so egregious that the Nevada State Contractors Board has called on the Nevada Attorney General’s office for prosecution,” Escamilla said.

David Behar, deputy director of the NSCB, said their investigation into Carbajal began in 2023.

“It quickly led to a significant number of open complaints regarding the abandonment of solar projects and misappropriation of funds. These actions resulted in a summary suspension of Lifetime Power’s license in August 2023,” Behar said. “On December 18, 2023, an administrative judge issued a decision and order, which led to the revocation of Lifetime Power’s license. They also found culpability on 88 separate violations and a total of $313,000 in fines were imposed on Lifetime Power.”

Carbajal was arrested on Tuesday. If convicted, he faces up to 65 years in prison.

WATCH THE FULL PRESS CONFERENCE: NSCB Discusses Arrest of Contractors in Las Vegas, How to Check for Legitimate Contractors

Las Vegas contractor arrested, NSCB warns of solar company scams

Behar said the NSCB has seen a spike in consumer complaints against solar companies. From 2022 to 2023, complaints against solar companies increased from 11% to 18%.

Due to the increase, the NSCB has established a new specialized solar research unit.

“The purpose of this unit will be to specifically target solar complaints and those seeking to harm our citizens regarding theft, fraud, abandonment, misappropriation of funds and unlicensed contracts,” Behar explained. “Additionally, the unit will also conduct workshops for both members of the public and recognized members of the solar industry to create a higher level of accountability in the state of Nevada.”

The NSCB says anyone who has been harmed by a private solar company can file a complaint with the board or contact the NSCB at [email protected].

They also remind homeowners interested in solar energy:

• Always make sure you have three bids.
• Check with the NSCB whether you are dealing with a recognized contractor.
• Please review the contract thoroughly or with an attorney before signing it, especially regarding financing or related payment terms.