Steven Adinolfi, a Las Vegas contractor embroiled in accusations of homeowner fraud, has been sentenced to probation, with the condition that he pays substantial restitution to his victims. As part of a plea deal Adinolfi, owner of S & E Contracting which operates as Made in the Shade, confessed to 21 felony counts of defrauding homeowners—a situation unraveled through various complaints alleging that more than $350,000 was collected for incomplete work, as reported by 8 News Now.
In the courtroom, Adinolfi was confronted with the gravity of his actions and agreed to an initial payment of $55,000 towards the full sum of restitution before sentencing. Though the Nevada State Contractors Board previously revoked Adinolfi's license following a 2023 disciplinary hearing, it was his arrest in June, and the ensuing legal process that spotlighted the predatory nature of his dealings—especially with senior citizens. A deposit that, if missteps were taken by Adinolfi could land him a prison sentence ranging from 2-8 years according to the terms set by the judge.
The complete restitution demanded of Adinolfi amounts to nearly $350,000—aimed to reconcile with the defrauded homeowners and to reimburse the Residential Recovery Fund. This fund, holding over $408,000 in claims connected to Adinolfi's misconduct, serves as a financial backstop for single-family homeowners who fall victim to unlawful contractor practices, as per details from 8 News Now. Adinolfi's obligations extend beyond the initial payment, as he is mandated to pay the remainder of $294,457 in restitution, which encompasses court fees.
Judge Yeager’s ruling highlights the importance of upholding Nevada’s construction laws and serves as a firm warning against unlawful practices, according to David Behar, Executive Officer of the Nevada State Contractors Board. In a statement to Hoodline, Behar emphasized the board’s commitment to addressing Adinolfi’s fraudulent actions and protecting consumers from similar misconduct.
As the case continues to draw attention, the Nevada Attorney General’s Office and the Nevada State Contractors Board are reminding consumers to remain cautious when hiring contractors. Officials urge the public to look out for warning signs such as aggressive sales pitches, requests for large upfront payments, cash-only deals, or the lack of a written contract. The Contractors Board also advises against hiring anyone who does not display a verifiable license number on their website, underscoring the need to protect consumers and uphold trust in legitimate contracting practices.
