TUCSON, Ariz. — The owner of a solar panel company has been indicted in Arizona for allegedly failing to complete projects after receiving payments from credit unions.
Daniel J. Ridlinghafer, 37, of Marana is facing charges of fraud after he allegedly scammed up to 25 homeowners who had contracted with the defendant's company, Tucson Solar Pros, to install solar power equipment, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office of Arizona.
After a victim's credit union provided the loan for installing solar equipment, Ridlinghafer would allegedly abandon the project upon receiving payment.
In total, Ridlinghafer is accused of defrauding up to $695,000 out of customers and credit unions.
Before he was indicted, Ridlinghafer was involved in multiple lawsuits, including one from an electric supply company that sued him for allegedly unpaid supplies provided to Tucson Solar Pros, according to KVOA.
The Tucson news station additionally found that Ridlinghager's license had been revoked by the Registrar of Contractors.
If convicted of fraud, Ridlinghafer could face a lengthy prison sentence and a fine of $1 million.
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