Carson City, NV — Nevada Attorney General Aaron D. Ford announced this week that Steven Allen Kromer, the owner of Uprise, LLC, is facing 31 felony counts for allegedly diverting millions of taxpayer dollars meant for a fiber optic infrastructure project in Lovelock into his personal bank account.
The charges stem from a 2023 contract between the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) and Kromer’s company, Uprise, LLC, worth approximately $9.125 million. The contract was intended to bring high-speed telecommunication infrastructure to the Lovelock area—a project that has since failed to materialize.
According to the criminal complaint, between August and November 2024, Kromer systematically transferred large sums of public funds from a First Independent Bank account tied to the project into a personal Bank of America account. Prosecutors allege that Kromer used these funds for his personal gain.
He now faces one count of theft involving between $25,000 and $100,000, and 30 additional counts of theft exceeding $100,000—each classified as category B felonies under Nevada law.
“These charges are the result of hard and dedicated work from my office’s investigators and prosecutors, and I couldn’t be prouder of the work they have done,” AG Ford said in a press release. “This matter is one that I take very seriously, and I have faith that justice will be served in this case.”
The scope of the alleged theft is staggering. Just a few examples from the criminal complaint illustrate the scale:
- On September 5, 2024, approximately $202,000 was transferred.
- On September 30, another $350,000 was moved.
- On October 11, an additional $250,000 was redirected.
- The final alleged unauthorized transfer occurred on November 29, involving $155,390.21 from a larger $258,000 NDOT wire.
All transactions are said to have taken place in Washoe County. If convicted on all counts, Kromer could face decades in prison.
This case has drawn attention not only because of the amount allegedly stolen, but also due to the broader implications for rural broadband development in Nevada. Lovelock and surrounding areas had anticipated that the fiber optic project would improve internet access for residents, businesses, and public services.
Now, those communities are left with broken promises and no infrastructure in place.
The Attorney General’s Office is continuing its investigation and has not ruled out further charges or additional defendants. An arrest warrant for Kromer has been issued.
What Happens Next?
Legal experts suggest that Kromer could be arraigned in the coming weeks. The case will likely involve complex forensic financial analysis, including tracking the diverted funds and assessing whether any assets can be recovered.
Meanwhile, the NDOT is reportedly reviewing its contracting procedures to prevent similar breaches of trust in the future.
