Charles E. Kartsaklis, Wire Fraud, New Jersey 2017

Charles E. Kartsaklis, 41, formerly of Erial, New Jersey, and now living in Davenport, Florida, admitted today to orchestrating a multi-million-dollar wire fraud scheme by falsely claiming federal rebates for solar panel installations that never happened. Kartsaklis, the former president and CEO of the now-defunct Code Green Solar LLC, stood before U.S. District Judge Noel L. Hillman in Camden federal court and pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.

From 2009 to 2017, Kartsaklis ran Code Green Solar LLC as a front to siphon taxpayer-funded rebates under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Though businesses across New Jersey—referred to in court documents as Businesses 1 through 5—rejected his company’s solar installation proposals in 2011 and 2012, Kartsaklis submitted fraudulent applications to the U.S. Treasury Department anyway, claiming the work had been completed. He forged Solar Power Purchase Agreements, fabricated emails from utility companies, and filed false annual reports for five years to maintain the illusion that solar panels were generating power at these sites.

The scam netted Kartsaklis more than $3 million in federal rebates—specifically $3,081,938—by exploiting a government program meant to incentivize renewable energy adoption. Each year from 2013 to 2017, he electronically transmitted bogus reports certifying that the non-existent panels were still operational, a requirement to continue receiving funds. The entire operation was built on manufactured documents and deliberate deception, transmitted across state lines via email and digital portals—the legal definition of wire fraud.

U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito, who announced the plea, emphasized the brazen nature of the fraud. “This wasn’t a mistake or an oversight—it was a calculated, years-long theft from the American taxpayer,” Carpenito said. “Kartsaklis lied repeatedly, forged documents, and cashed in on a program designed to help the environment—while delivering nothing but false paperwork.”

The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. As part of his plea agreement, Kartsaklis has agreed to full restitution of $3,081,938. Sentencing is scheduled for August 23, 2019. He was released on bail pending that date.

The investigation was led by FBI special agents from the Philadelphia Division’s South Jersey Resident Agency, under Special Agent in Charge Michael Harpster, and U.S. Treasury Department, Office of Inspector General, under Special Agent in Charge Anthony Scott. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Diana Vondra Carrig. Defense counsel included Justin R. White Esq. and Michael L. Testa Sr. Esq. of Vineland, New Jersey.

Related Federal Cases