Former owner, CEO of Able Energy charged with defrauding clients

The former owner and CEO of a now-defunct private solar energy company has been charged for allegedly defrauding Minnesota clients.

The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office says 41-year-old Michael Harvey, of River Falls, Wis., is charged with theft-by-swindle for cheating 53 clients out of more than $1 million.

Prosecutors say Harvey, who used to own Able Energy, which closed in 2018, made false promises of providing and installing solar panels from Jan. 1, 2017, to July 31, 2018.

His first court appearance is set for Sept. 16.