Napa police say a Glen Ellen woman who billed herself as a home renovation pro is at the center of a sweeping contractor fraud investigation that may have drained homeowners of more than $1 million. Investigators allege Christina Daniels ran companies called Lone Wolf Designs and LW Design Build while falsely presenting herself as a licensed contractor.
Arrest and charges
According to the Napa Police Department, Daniels was arrested on April 23 and booked on multiple felony and misdemeanor counts, including diversion of construction funds, forgery, grand theft by embezzlement and contracting without a license. Investigators say she collected large upfront payments, oversaw demolition work and used unlicensed workers while skipping required city permits.
Victims' losses and the wider probe
Per The Press Democrat, court records state that one Napa family paid $478,300 for a major home remodel, and police estimate overall losses tied to the investigation have now topped $1 million. The outlet reports that detectives have identified roughly 30 to 40 additional potential victims across Northern California as they follow financial trails and develop new leads.
How police say the scheme worked
In its release, the Napa Police Department says Daniels allegedly used another contractor's license number on job site signs, invoices and emails, and forged signatures on city permit paperwork. Investigators also accuse her of overbilling for materials, failing to issue required change orders and diverting money from customers to cover other projects. Anyone who believes they may have been affected or who has information is asked to contact Detective Darlene Elia at [email protected] or 707-257-9672.
Legal next steps
Documents reviewed by The Press Democrat show that felony charges were filed in last Monday's criminal complaint, and Daniels is scheduled to appear in Napa County Superior Court on June 9, 2026. Prosecutors are expected to decide whether to pursue additional charges as detectives notify more potential victims and pull together financial records from the projects under scrutiny.
How to protect yourself and next steps for victims
Homeowners who think they may have been defrauded are urged to hold onto contracts, invoices, photos and any written communication, and to verify a contractor's license status before paying any more money. The Contractors State License Board notes that California law generally limits home improvement down payments to the lesser of 10 percent of the contract price or $1,000, a common red flag in heavily front-loaded deals. Victims may want to file a police report and submit a complaint to the CSLB to get on the investigators' radar.
