Greenville County, SC, August 28, 2025
News Summary
Kerry Don Penwell, owner of Kasted Design Group, has been arrested for fraudulent construction practices in Greenville County. He is accused of accepting over $260,000 for electrical work but only completing approximately $15,000 worth since May 2024. The investigation revealed significant licensing issues and potential consumer fraud, emphasizing the importance of verifying contractor credentials.
Greenville County Man Arrested for Fraudulent Construction Practices
Greenville County, SC – Kerry Don Penwell, a 50-year-old resident and owner of Kasted Design Group, was arrested by the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office on August 26, following an investigation into fraudulent construction practices. Penwell is accused of accepting over $260,000 from a residential construction company for electrical work on multiple projects, yet he reportedly completed only approximately $15,000 worth of work since May 2024.
During the investigation, Penwell attributed the project’s delays to backordered materials; however, investigators found that suppliers had no outstanding orders for him due to unpaid balances. This raised further concerns about Penwell’s business practices and led to discovery of significant licensing issues.
Authorities found that Kasted Design Group, which Penwell operates, did not possess the necessary licenses required to perform electrical work. Records revealed that the business only held a license to install burglary alarms, highlighting Penwell’s unlawful practice of a regulated profession.
As a result of the investigation, Penwell has been charged with breach of trust and unlawful practice of a regulated profession, procedures designed to protect consumers from fraud. Following his arrest, Penwell was held at the Greenville County Detention Center, from which he has since been released on a $40,000 bond.
Details of the Investigation
The inquiry into Penwell’s activities began when complaints were made regarding the quality and timeline of electrical work performed by Kasted Design Group. Homeowners and contractors reported inadequacies and delays which initiated scrutiny from local law enforcement and regulatory agencies.
Upon further examination, investigators reached out to the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation, leading to the revelation that Penwell was operating without proper credentials for electrical contracting work. The lack of proper licensing raises severe concerns about safety and regulatory compliance, given the critical nature of electrical installations.
Potential Implications for Consumers
Consumers and construction companies are urged to verify the licensing status of contractors prior to hiring. The penalties for hiring unqualified contractors can be severe, leading to financial losses and potentially hazardous situations. Homeowners in the Greenville County area who engaged with Kasted Design Group are encouraged to contact local authorities if they suspect they have been defrauded.
Conclusion
The case against Kerry Don Penwell underscores the importance of regulatory compliance in the construction industry and serves as a reminder to consumers to remain vigilant when hiring contractors for critical home improvement projects. As the judicial process unfolds, this investigation represents a significant effort by public agencies to uphold the lawful practices within the contracting industry.
FAQ
What are the charges against Kerry Don Penwell?
Kerry Don Penwell faces charges of breach of trust and unlawful practice of a regulated profession for accepting funds for electrical work that he did not complete.
How much money did Penwell allegedly take for the electrical work?
Penwell allegedly accepted over $260,000 for various projects, yet completed only about $15,000 worth of work.
Was Kasted Design Group licensed for electrical work?
No, Kasted Design Group was only licensed to install burglary alarms and did not have the required licenses for electrical work.
What can consumers do to protect themselves?
Consumers should always verify the licensing status of contractors before hiring them for work, especially for critical home improvement tasks.
Summary of Key Details
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Kerry Don Penwell |
| Company | Kasted Design Group |
| Allegations | Fraudulent construction practices |
| Amount Accepted | Over $260,000 |
| Work Completed | Approximately $15,000 |
| Licensing Status | Not licensed for electrical work |
| Charges Filed | Breach of trust, unlawful practice of a regulated profession |
| Bond Amount | $40,000 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Fox Carolina: Man Arrested for Fraudulent Construction Work
- WSPA: Man Arrested in Greenville Co. After $260K in Construction Fraud
- WYFF: Greenville Business Owner Fraud Charges
- Greenville Online: Greenville Man Arrested in $260K Unlicensed Work Scheme
- Post and Courier: Greenville Contractor Charged with Fraud
- Wikipedia: Construction Fraud
- Google Search: Construction Fraud
- Google Scholar: Construction Fraud
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Construction Fraud
- Google News: Construction 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.
