Detectives are investigating after the arrest of a man accused of swindling an elderly woman in Phelan, California, out of more than $2,000 through a fraudulent solar panel installation scheme.
Josh Richard Reiff, 44, of Hesperia, was taken into custody on Tuesday, March 10, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. The arrest stems from an incident that occurred on Friday, December 12, in the 3000 block of Coyote Creek Road.
Authorities said Reiff approached the victim, an elderly woman, claiming he could install solar panels on her home. During the process, he allegedly requested multiple payments to begin the installation. After receiving approximately $2,100, Reiff reportedly failed to perform the work and stopped responding to the victim’s calls.
Following a follow-up investigation, Reiff was arrested on suspicion of theft by false pretenses and elder financial abuse. He posted bail and was released from custody pending further legal proceedings.
The sheriff’s department warned that detectives believe there may be additional victims linked to Reiff’s alleged scheme and encouraged anyone with information to come forward.
