A Los Angeles police investigation into a wave of solar‑panel lease fraud has turned up a suspect who allegedly targeted elderly Spanish‑speaking residents between July 2021 and February 2022.
How the Scheme Worked
The suspect, named Kevin Eduardo Cristofer Esperanza, reportedly approached older people who had limited computer literacy. He pretended to be selling solar panels and convinced them to share personal information. Using that data, he forged their signatures and signed them into long‑term lease agreements without their consent.
Who is the Suspect?
Detectives identified Esperanza as the person behind the fraud. The Los Angeles Police Department highlighted that he specifically targeted older people and Spanish speakers. No additional details about his background were released in the statement.
Timeframe of the Crimes
Investigators believe the fraudulent activity took place between July 2021 and February 2022. That period covers the months during which the suspect allegedly obtained signatures and entered victims into lease contracts.
LAPD’s Call for Information
The LAPD urged anyone who knows a victim or who may have been victimized to contact Detective Juan Campos. The department provided a phone number, 213‑486‑5995, and an email address, [email protected], for reporting or providing information.
Media Coverage
NBC Universal, Inc. reported the story on December 11, 2025. A video of the announcement was broadcast on NBC4 News at 11 p.m. that same evening. The article was updated on December 12, 2025, at 10:31 a.m.
Impact on Victims
The fraudulent leases involve long‑term agreements that were signed without the victims’ knowledge or consent. The scheme specifically targeted individuals who may have difficulty navigating online processes.
Legal and Police Actions
The Los Angeles Police Department is actively seeking additional victims of the scheme. Detectives are working to trace all lease agreements signed under forged signatures and to identify any further individuals affected.
How to Get Involved
If you or someone you know may have been affected by this fraud, the LAPD encourages you to reach out to Detective Campos. Providing any details about a lease agreement or a suspicious solar‑panel sales encounter could help close the case.
Key Takeaways
- LAPD investigates solar‑panel lease fraud targeting elderly Spanish speakers.
- Suspect Kevin Esperanza forged signatures between July 2021 and February 2022.
- Victims are urged to contact Detective Juan Campos for assistance.
The LAPD’s ongoing investigation underscores the importance of vigilance against identity‑theft schemes, especially those aimed at vulnerable populations. By encouraging community members to report suspicious activity, the department hopes to identify all victims and bring the perpetrator to justice.
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