Greenville County, August 28, 2025
News Summary
Kerry Don Penwell, owner of Kasted Design Group, was arrested on charges of breach of trust and unlawful practice after allegedly accepting over $260,000 for electrical work but completing only $15,000 worth of work. His company lacked the proper licensing for electrical jobs, leading to serious legal repercussions. Penwell’s arrest underscores the importance of regulatory compliance in the construction industry and has raised concerns within the Greenville County community regarding contractor accountability.
Greenville County – Kerry Don Penwell, the owner of Kasted Design Group, was arrested Tuesday on charges of breach of trust and unlawful practice of a regulated profession. This arrest stems from allegations that Penwell accepted over $260,000 from a residential construction company for completing electrical work on various projects, yet reportedly only completed approximately $15,000 worth of work since May 2024.
Investigators have determined that while Penwell claimed delays were due to materials being on backorder, suppliers indicated they had no orders to fulfill. This was attributed to unpaid balances linked to Kasted Design Group. Furthermore, Kasted Design Group is not licensed to perform electrical work; it is only authorized to install burglary alarms. As a result, Penwell now faces serious legal repercussions.
The specifics of the case indicate that Penwell had engaged in financial transactions that raised significant red flags, leading to an investigation. The discrepancy between the amount paid and the minimal work completed triggered inquiries from authorities, exposing the lack of proper licensing for electrical work.
Penwell, aged 50, was charged following the investigation, which uncovered these practices last reported in a span of a little over a year. His arrest marks a concerning precedent in the regulation of electrical work and contractor qualifications within the county, emphasizing the importance of obtaining the proper licenses for specialized trades.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Following his arrest, Penwell was released on a $40,000 bond. The charges against him could lead to significant penalties, including fines and possible incarceration, depending on the outcomes of ongoing legal processes. The case highlights the risks involved in the construction industry regarding contractor accountability and consumer protection.
Background Information
Creating a safe and lawful environment requires that contractors and businesses comply with regulations designed to protect consumers. Electrical work, in particular, mandates strict licensing due to the inherent dangers associated with improper installations. Kasted Design Group’s licensing is limited to installing burglary alarms, underscoring the potential dangers posed by unauthorized electrical work.
As the situation develops, further legal actions and community reactions may emerge as consumers and industry professionals assess the implications of the case and the necessary safeguards against such occurrences in the future.
Community Response
The Greenville County community has expressed concern regarding trust issues within the home improvement sector. Homeowners are urged to verify contractor credentials and licensing before hiring services, particularly for specialized work such as electrical installations. Regulatory bodies may respond with heightened scrutiny and enforcement efforts in the wake of this incident, aiming to improve oversight in the construction and contracting industry.
FAQ Section
What were the charges against Kerry Don Penwell?
Kerry Don Penwell was charged with breach of trust and unlawful practice of a regulated profession.
How much money did Penwell accept for work?
Penwell accepted over $260,000 from a residential construction company for completing electrical work on various projects.
How much work did Penwell complete?
Since May 2024, Penwell reportedly completed approximately $15,000 worth of work.
What was the issue with Kasted Design Group’s licensing?
Kasted Design Group was not licensed to perform electrical work; it only held a license to install burglary alarms.
What is the financial consequence of Penwell’s actions?
Penwell could face fines and penalties, depending on the outcomes of the legal proceedings following his arrest.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Owner | Kerry Don Penwell |
| Company Name | Kasted Design Group |
| Amount Accepted | $260,000+ |
| Work Completed | $15,000+ |
| License Type | Burglary Alarms Only |
| Charges | Breach of Trust, Unlawful Practice |
| Bond Amount | $40,000 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WYFF4: Greenville Business Owner Fraud Charges
- Fox Carolina: Business Owner Charged After Cheating Victim
- Tryon Daily Bulletin: Landrum Business Owners Charged
- WYFF4: Greenville Man Arrested for Child Exploitation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Contractor Fraud
- Google Search: Kerry Don Penwell Fraud
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
