The criminal charges represent the second major legal action against the pair over the same conduct. In February 2024, a federal court found the defendants liable for approximately $19 million in combined penalties and restitution in a civil enforcement action brought by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI).
According to the FTC, the scheme harmed more than 3,000 people nationwide, many of them elderly or veterans.
Meanwhile, an Orange County woman was arrested on wire fraud charges after she allegedly siphoned more than $411,000 from a nonprofit she oversaw as treasurer — using the diverted funds, in part, to clear a delinquent balance on the mortgage of her Aliso Viejo home.
Inside the scheme
Barron, who served as a beneficial owner and senior manager of the operation, and Ahiga, who oversaw the collection of monthly client payments and documents, ran the enterprise under a succession of company names: Green Equitable Solutions (d/b/a Academy Home Services), South West Consulting Enterprises Inc. (d/b/a Home Matters USA), Apex Consulting & Associates Inc. (d/b/a Golden Home Services America), and Infocom Entertainment Ltd. (d/b/a Atlantic Pacific Service).
Prosecutors allege the rebranding was intentional, a tactic to outpace regulators and suppress negative online reviews.
