Greenville, August 28, 2025
News Summary
Kerry Don Penwell, a contractor in Greenville, was arrested for breach of trust with fraudulent intent and unlawful practice, having taken over $260,000 for unfinished electrical work. Investigations revealed that his company, Kasted Design Group, was not licensed to perform electrical work. This incident highlights significant issues regarding compliance in the contracting industry and consumer protection.
Greenville
Kerry Don Penwell, a 50-year-old contractor from Greenville, was arrested on August 26, 2025, after being charged with breach of trust with fraudulent intent and unlawful practice of a regulated profession. The arrest stems from allegations that Penwell, the owner of Kasted Design Group, accepted over $260,000 from a residential construction company for electrical work that remained unfinished.
According to investigatory reports, Penwell had only completed approximately $15,000 worth of electrical work since May 2024. Throughout the investigation, Penwell contended that significant delays in the project were primarily due to materials being backordered. However, investigators uncovered evidence indicating that suppliers had no orders on file for Penwell, attributable to unpaid balances with those companies.
Further scrutiny by the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation revealed that Kasted Design Group lacked the necessary licensing to perform electrical work. The company was only authorized to install burglary alarms, which is categorically different from the electrical work that Penwell promised to deliver.
Legal Proceedings
Penwell was taken into custody and held at the Greenville County Detention Center before being released on a $40,000 bond. His case has sparked significant attention, given the substantial amount reportedly taken from clients for work that remains incomplete. The legal implications of his actions may result in severe penalties if found guilty, including fines and possible jail time.
Background on Kasted Design Group
Kasted Design Group is a company that had previously operated within the realm of security system installations. However, the firm overstepped its regulatory boundaries by engaging in electrical work without the legal licensing necessary to do so. This incident highlights ongoing issues within the contracting industry related to compliance, accountability, and consumer protection.
Consumer advocate groups indicate that situations like Penwell’s raise concerns over the safety and reliability of hiring unlicensed contractors. Many emphasize the importance of verifying contractor credentials before hiring them to avoid falling victim to fraud and potential safety hazards.
Impact on the Community
The repercussions of such fraudulent activities extend beyond the immediate financial loss incurred by the victims. It also affects the integrity of the construction industry as a whole, potentially leading to greater scrutiny and regulatory changes. Community members may find themselves questioning the practices of contractors and the enforcement of licensing regulations, which could impact future projects and investments in property development.
Next Steps
As the investigation continues, it remains unclear how the allegations against Kerry Don Penwell will evolve in the legal system. Authorities are urging individuals who may have contracted with Kasted Design Group for electrical work to come forward and report their experiences, as they may have relevant information pertinent to the case.
FAQs
What charges was Kerry Don Penwell facing?
Kerry Don Penwell was charged with breach of trust with fraudulent intent and unlawful practice of a regulated profession.
How much money did Penwell allegedly take?
He allegedly took over $260,000 from a residential construction company for unfinished electrical work.
How much work did he complete?
Penwell reportedly completed about $15,000 worth of electrical work since May 2024.
Was Kasted Design Group licensed for electrical work?
No, Kasted Design Group was not licensed to perform electrical work; it only held a license for installing burglary alarms.
What is the next step for Penwell?
The investigation is ongoing, and it remains to be seen how the legal proceedings will unfold.
Key Features of Kasted Design Group Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Contractor Name | Kerry Don Penwell |
| Company Name | Kasted Design Group |
| Arrest Date | August 26, 2025 |
| Amount Allegedly Taken | $260,000 |
| Work Completed | $15,000 |
| Charges Filed | Breach of trust with fraudulent intent, unlawful practice of a regulated profession |
| Bond Amount | $40,000 |
| Licenses Held | Only for installing burglary alarms |
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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.
