A California homeowner paid $67,500 upfront for a kitchen and three-bathroom remodel that investigators say never began.
Victoria A. Rogers, 58, allegedly delayed the Lake Arrowhead project for nearly a year while offering repeated explanations for why work had not started.
Detectives said she eventually stopped communicating, kept the homeowner’s money and failed to use it for construction materials or labor.
Rogers was arrested July 23, 2026, on nine felony and misdemeanor charges. Authorities have also identified additional customers who allegedly lost thousands of dollars through similar remodeling agreements.
The Homeowner Asked for the Entire Payment Back
The homeowner hired Rogers in October 2024 to remodel a kitchen and three bathrooms at a Lake Arrowhead residence, according to Patch. Rogers operated under the business name Coronado by Design.
Investigators said she instructed the homeowner to write the company a $67,500 check upfront to begin the project. After receiving the check, Rogers allegedly offered repeated explanations for the delays while performing no work at the property for nearly a year.
The homeowner eventually requested a full refund. By November 2025, investigators said Rogers had stopped communicating and had not returned any portion of the $67,500.
Detectives concluded that the money had not been applied toward materials or labor for the kitchen and bathroom renovations.
Detectives Identified Other Customers With Similar Losses
Investigators said they found additional victims who allegedly lost thousands of dollars under similar circumstances. Authorities have not disclosed how many people came forward, the combined value of their losses or whether every project remained completely unfinished.
The Sheriff’s Department released Rogers’ photograph because detectives believe other customers may have remodeling agreements or payment records involving her or Coronado by Design. Homeowners reporting an unfinished project should preserve the signed contract, canceled checks, card statements, approved designs, invoices, text messages, emails, photographs and every explanation given for delays.
A construction complaint can also be submitted to the Contractors State License Board. CSLB investigates complaints involving licensed and unlicensed contractors, although filing a complaint does not guarantee repayment.
Rogers Faces Nine Felony and Misdemeanor Charges
Rogers was arrested July 23 and booked into the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga. Authorities said the nine charges include theft by false pretenses, grand theft and diversion of construction funds.
The charges are allegations, and the available reporting does not indicate that Rogers has entered a plea or been convicted. Anyone with information can contact Detectives Kris Powers or B. Stebbing at the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station at 909-336-0668. Anonymous tips can be submitted to We-Tip by calling or texting “REPORT” to 844-909-3006.
California Generally Caps an Upfront Remodeling Payment at $1,000
The California Contractors State License Board says most home-improvement down payments cannot exceed $1,000 or 10% of the contract price, whichever is less.
Additional payments cannot exceed the value of work already performed or materials already delivered. Contracts for home-improvement projects costing more than $500 must also be in writing and include the total price, payment schedule, project description, license information and expected completion date.
Before signing, homeowners can search the business name, contractor’s name or license number through the state’s contractor-license database. The record can show the license status, approved business name, classifications, bond information and certain disclosed complaints or disciplinary actions.