Investigators with the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office have arrested 50-year-old Kerry Don Penwell, of Simpsonville, following an investigation into fraudulent construction practices, according to a report from the department.
Investigators allege that Penwell, the owner of Kasted Design Group, accepted more than $260,000 from a residential construction company to complete electrical work on multiple projects. Despite receiving the funds for supplies and anticipated costs, Penwell reportedly only completed approximately $15,000 worth of work since May 2024.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, over the course of the investigation, Penwell claimed delays were due to materials being on backorder. However, investigators confirmed that suppliers had no orders to fulfill for Penwell due to unpaid balances with their companies.
Additionally, investigators contacted the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation and discovered that Kasted Design Group was not licensed to perform electrical work. Records revealed that the business only held a license to install burglary alarms, said the Sheriff’s Office.
As a result of the investigation, Penwell was charged with Breach of Trust and Unlawful Practice of a Regulated Profession. The Sheriff’s Office says he was arrested yesterday and later released on a $40,000 bond.
