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CSLB Press Release - 09/26/2007

Contractors State License Board Nets Sixteen Illegal Contractors in Solano County Undercover Sting


VACAVILLE — Sixteen unlicensed contractors were arrested yesterday by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB), in cooperation with investigators from the Solano County District Attorney's Consumers Unit and the Department of Insurance Fraud Division, for operating without a license, unlawful advertising or illegally using another contractor's license.

During a day-long undercover sting operation at a Vacaville residence, more than two dozen contractors were invited to bid on a variety of home improvement projects, including interior remodeling, garage work, exterior landscaping, fence replacement, concrete, and exterior painting. California law requires a state contractor's license for home improvement jobs that are valued at $500 or more in supplies and labor.

Once the operators bid over $500 on a job, they were arrested and given a ";Notice to Appear" (NTA) in Solano County Superior Court for violating state contracting law. The charges carry a maximum of six months in jail or a $1,000 fine for the first offense. A second violation carries a mandatory 90-day jail sentence.

Two of the unlicensed contractors were arrested and taken into custody: one for having stolen vehicle license plates (his car was towed); the other for illegally using another person's contractor's license. Two licensed contractors are being investigated for aiding and abetting an unlicensed person and illegal advertising.

Unlicensed Operator Citations

NAME RESULT B & P CODE VIOLATIONS
J. David Ortega NTA 7027.1 & 7028
Antonio T. Reyes NTA 7027.1 & 7028
Senovio Reyes Legorreta NTA 7027.1 & 7028
Ivan de Jesus Arana NTA 7027.1 & 7028
Jaime A. Andujo NTA 7028
Alvaro Zambrano NTA 7028 & 7153
Ivan Joaquin Leireyma NTA 7153
Braulio Garcia Tapia NTA 7027.1 & 7028
Gaetano Erenio Alterio NTA 7027.1 & 7028
Bong Cong Truong NTA 7027.1 & 7028
Steve Allen Martin NTA 7027.1 & 7028
Pedro Antonio Hernandez NTA 7027.1 & 7028
Jose Martinez Trujillo NTA 7027.1 & 7028
William Harvey Loar NTA & Arrest 7027.1 & 7028, Penal Code 496
Raul Lorenzana NTA 7027.1 & 7028
Juan Manuel Delgado Arrest 7027.3, 7027.1 and 7028

The CSLB partners with local, state and other government agencies to conduct enforcement stings and sweeps related to unlicensed construction activity each week throughout California.

The CSLB urges consumers to follow these tips when dealing with construction or home improvement contractors:

  • Hire only licensed contractors and ask to see the license;
  • Don't rush into decisions and don't hire the first contractor who comes along;
  • Be especially hesitant when approached by someone offering home improvement services door-to-door, especially when they will use material they claim is left over from another job;
  • Verify the contractor's license by checking online or via CSLB's automated phone service at 1-800-321-CSLB (2752)
  • Don't pay more than 10% down or $1,000, whichever is less;
  • Don't pay cash, and don't let the payments get ahead of the work;
  • Get three bids, check references, and a written contract; and
  • Contact the CSLB if you have a complaint against a contractor.

The Contractors State License Board operates under the umbrella of the California Department of Consumer Affairs. The CSLB licenses and regulates California's 312,000 contractors, and investigates more than 21,000 complaints against contractors annually. In fiscal year 2006-07, the CSLB helped consumers get almost $45 million in ordered restitution.

California Penal Code Section 496 - Possession of stolen property (license plates)