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CSLB Sting Catches 12 Bogus Contractors in Madera

Four repeat offenders among those cited on illegal contracting charges

SACRAMENTO — A Madera home site with plenty of trees provided no shade for unlicensed contractors who were caught in an undercover sting operation conducted last week by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). Twelve people were cited for misdemeanor illegal contracting during the operation on January 22 and 23, 2015, in the Madera Ranchos subdivision.

CSLB’s Statewide Investigative Fraud Team (SWIFT) received support from the Madera County Sheriff’s Department and California Highway Patrol. Investigators contacted suspected illegal contractors through craigslist ads and business cards, and invited bids for work that included fencing, painting, and tree service, among other projects.

Bids ranged from $600 for tree work to $3,200 for fencing. In California, all home improvement jobs valued at $500 or more (combined labor and material costs) must be conducted by a company or person with a CSLB-issued license (Business and Professions Code section 7028). All 12 suspects (six on each day) must answer to charges of contracting without a license, as well as an additional charge of illegal advertising (Business and Professions Code section 7027.1). State law requires that contractors place their license number in all print, broadcast, and online advertisements.

Four of those cited were not strangers to CSLB investigators. They were caught in previous sting operations for illegal contracting, and issued Notices to Appear in superior court. First-conviction penalties for contracting without a license include up to six months in jail and/or up to $5,000 in fines. Penalties are more severe with each successive violation.

“The fact that multiple repeat offenders turned up at the sting should be alarming to consumers and prompt them to always check a person’s CSLB license,” said CSLB Registrar Cindi Christenson. “It’s easier than ever to find out if someone you’re considering is properly licensed for the work they’re bidding. Our newly redesigned website is friendly to mobile devices, so it’s easy to search from your smart phone or tablet.”

All suspects were ordered to appear at 8 a.m. on March 25 or March 26, 2015, in Madera County Superior Court, 209 W. Yosemite Avenue, Madera, CA 93637. (MAP)

Day 1
SUSPECT’S NAME CITY OF RESIDENCE	LICENSE CLASSIFICATION	ALLEGED VIOLATIONS
Jose Juan A. Silva Fresno	B – General Building	Contracting without a license, Illegal advertising
Luis Manuel Rocha Fresno	C-13 – Fencing	Contracting without a license, Illegal advertising
Jason Zeller Fresno	C-33 – Painting and Decorating	Contracting without a license, Illegal advertising
Carlos Martinez Felix Fresno	C-61/D-49 – Tree Service	Contracting without a license, Illegal advertising
Ronald Childers Fresno	C-33 – Painting and Decorating	Contracting without a license, Illegal advertising
Heriberto Rojas-Viveros Fresno	C-13 – Fencing	Contracting without a license, Illegal advertising
Day 2
SUSPECT’S NAME CITY OF RESIDENCE	LICENSE CLASSIFICATION	ALLEGED VIOLATIONS
Jaime Cruz Martinez Selma	C-61/D-49 – Tree Service	Contracting without a license, Illegal advertising
Rene Zetina-Duran Selma	C-61/D-49 – Tree Service	Contracting without a license, Illegal advertising
Jaime Garcia-Abad Selma	C-61/D-49 – Tree Service	Contracting without a license, Illegal advertising
Gregory Ralph Salisbury Clovis	C-13 – Fencing	Contracting without a license, Illegal advertising
Osvaldo Nava-Torres Fresno	C-13 – Fencing	Contracting without a license, Illegal advertising
Andrew Davila Fresno	C-33 – Painting and Decorating	Contracting without a license, Illegal advertising

CSLB encourages consumers to always “Check The License First” by visiting www.cslb.ca.gov or calling its toll-free automated line: 800.321.CSLB (2752). Also, visit CSLB’s website for tips about how to hire a contractor and to sign up for CSLB Email Alerts.

The Contractors State License Board operates under the umbrella of the California Department of Consumer Affairs. CSLB licenses and regulates about 290,000 contractors in California, and is regarded as one of the leading consumer protection agencies in the United States. In fiscal year 2013-14, CSLB helped recover nearly $51 million in ordered restitution for consumers.

 

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