$1M Wind Energy Fraud Schemes Uncovered in Minnesota
Kerry Dale Kisslinger, 58, former owner and CEO of ES Windpower, Inc., a Minnesota-based wind energy company, has been charged with five counts of wire fraud in a $1 million fraud scheme, according to a federal indictment announced by United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald.
Between 2012 and 2015, Kisslinger allegedly devised and executed a scheme to defraud ES Windpower customers by falsely representing that in exchange for payment, he and his company would deliver and install a wind turbine on the customers’ farms or land. In reality, Kisslinger regularly used some or all of the customers’ payments for personal use and benefit, including to make a $45,000 down payment on the purchase of a lakefront home in Emmons, Minnesota, and to purchase Minnesota Timberwolves season tickets.
Kisslinger also falsely represented to some of his customers that each turbine ordered would be protected by a $100,000 bond, which would be used to refund their money if ES Windpower was unable to complete the delivery and installation. However, in reality, Kisslinger knew the delays were caused by his own failure to complete the ordering process and remit his customers’ down payments to the manufacturers.
The indictment alleges that Kisslinger fraudulently solicited and received more than $1 million in payments from customers. The case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson is prosecuting the case.
The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and Kisslinger is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Kerry Dale Kisslinger, 58, of Humble, Texas, is facing five counts of wire fraud. He is scheduled to appear in court on [insert date].
Additional news available on our website.
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600.
Related Federal Cases
- Gary Richard Vibbard, Mail Fraud, Minnesota 2013 · New Mexico
- Steven Dale Audette, Extortion Scheme, AZ 2024 · Washington
- Richard Rose, Mail Fraud Conspiracy, MO 2023 · North Dakota
- $27M Mortgage Fraud Scheme Exposed · Washington
- Augustus Quintrell Light, Methamphetamine Distribution, Minnesota 2019 · Iowa
Key Facts
- State: Minnesota
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
