Colorado contractor charged with defrauding Boulder family, exposing them to asbestos

Aug. 10, 2026 (DENVER) – Colorado contractor Rocco Roberts, 47, was charged with defrauding a Boulder family and exposing their home to hazardous asbestos materials, Attorney General Phil Weiser announced today.

“Remodeling a home is never a cheap or quick process,” said Attorney General Weiser. “It requires a lot of trust between the homeowner and the contractor. When that trust is violated, and leaves the home as a potentially dangerous environment, the bad actors who break that trust need to be held accountable.”

The case stems from Roberts’ alleged criminal conduct during an asbestos remediation project. In February 2023, a Boulder couple planned to do a basement renovation. Due to the age of the home, an asbestos inspection was required, which subsequently revealed that the basement’s materials were over the state-mandated limit of 1% asbestos. The owners contracted with the defendant’s company “Home Defense Solutions.” However, Roberts is alleged to have falsely represented having the proper permits and licenses with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. In fact, Roberts had not been certified by the state since 2018 to work in the asbestos industry.

The prosecution alleges Roberts performed the abatement work improperly, and as a result, the basement was exposed to asbestos. However, Roberts told the Boulder family the abatement work had been completed, and that it was safe to access and use the basement. Additionally, it is alleged that the defendant provided a fraudulent clearance test to further assure the Boulder family of the basement’s safety. Despite having performed the work in a reckless and dangerous manner, Roberts still collected $8,400 for the project and stopped replying to the owner’s request for a refund after the consequences of the poor work were discovered. To fix the damage, the owners paid an additional $17,736.52 for a legitimate licensed professional to remediate the basement.

Roberts is accused of causing and contributing to a hazardous substance incident, a class 4 felony; two counts of forgery, both class 5 felonies; and one count of theft, a class 5 felony. He was arrested in Larimer County and posted $5,000 bail via surety on July 22, 2026. The case is filed in Boulder County District Court under case number 26CR985.

An indictment is a formal accusation that an individual committed a crime under Colorado laws. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Read a copy of the arrest affidavit (PDF).

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Media Contact:
Lawrence Pacheco
Chief Communications Officer
(720) 508-6553 office
lawrence.pacheco@coag.gov