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CSLB Drives Home Message to Unlicensed Contractors in Ventura County
Nearly 70 percent of illegal contractors from outside of county during two-day Moorpark sting

SACRAMENTO – Unlicensed contractors won’t let a long drive dissuade them from trying to steal work from legitimate contractors. A sting operation conducted in Moorpark last week by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) once again showed that to be true. Of the 14 individuals cited for illegal contracting, 10 came from outside of the area, including the outer reaches of Los Angeles County.

Investigators from CSLB’s Statewide Investigative Fraud Team (SWIFT), assisted by Ventura County Sheriff’s Office deputies, held the sting at a ranch-style home near Moorpark College on April 8 and 9, 2015. Seven unlicensed contractors were caught each day. All were given Notices to Appear in Ventura County Superior Court on charges of misdemeanor illegal contracting.

SWIFT investigators used tips from a variety of sources, including the Ventura Sheriff’s Office, a nearby city building department, and a state agency, to create a list of suspected unlicensed contractors who might be interested in submitting a home improvement bid. Projects for bid included installation of a tankless water heater, installation of vinyl fencing, flooring, tree removal, and interior painting.

All suspects turned in bids that were in excess of the limit allowed by state contracting laws. Any project that is $500 or more in combined labor and material costs must be performed by a state-licensed contractor, per Business and Professions Code section 7028. The highest bid, for the vinyl fence, was for $10,000; most were in the $2,000-$5,000 range.

All 14 suspects were cited for contracting without a license, as well as an additional charge of illegal advertising (Business and Professions Code section 7027.1). State law prohibits unlicensed contractors from advertising for construction-related work valued at $500 or more, although they can advertise for jobs below that amount if the ad states that they are not licensed.

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.

“Unlicensed contractors will beat a path to your door if they think there’s a big paycheck in it for them,” said CSLB Registrar Cindi Christenson. “Many times, they will turn in very low bids to get the job. But homeowners take big risks if they fall into that trap. Always remember to check CSLB’s website to see if the person you plan to hire is licensed.”

Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Captain John Reilly commended the teamwork displayed during the sting operation, and the successful results – 14 citations for illegal contracting.

“The Moorpark Police Department and Ventura County Sheriff's Office appreciate our partnership with the California Contractors State License Board,” Reilly said. “Our joint efforts in this operation send a clear message that unlicensed contractors operating in Ventura County will be targeted and prosecuted.”

Suspects have a court date of either June 17 or June 18, 2015, in Ventura County Superior Court, 800 South Victoria Avenue, Ventura CA 90039. (MAP)

DAY 1
SUSPECT’S NAME
CITY OF RESIDENCE LICENSE
CLASSIFICATION ALLEGED
VIOLATIONS
Jack West Nordbald
Reseda C-15 – Flooring and Floor Covering
Contracting without a license,
Illegal advertising

Vance A. Hildebrand
Thousand Oaks C-13 – Fencing
Contracting without a license,
Illegal advertising

Rod Scott Hormell
Newbury Park C-15 – Flooring and Floor Covering
Contracting without a license,
Illegal advertising

Ignacio Diaz Ramirez
Long Beach C-33 – Painting and Decorating
Contracting without a license,
Illegal advertising

Alicia Rodriguez
Long Beach C-33 – Painting and Decorating
Contracting without a license,
Illegal advertising

Raul Sandoval
Winnetka C-21 – Building Moving/Demolition
Contracting without a license,
Illegal advertising

Derrick Paul Sterling
Santa Paula C-36 – Plumbing
Contracting without a license,
Illegal advertising

DAY 2
SUSPECT’S NAME
CITY OF RESIDENCE LICENSE
CLASSIFICATION ALLEGED
VIOLATIONS
Jonathan Alexis Hernandez
Los Angeles C-33 – Painting and Decorating
Contracting without a license,
Illegal advertising

Martin Alcantara Rivera
Panorama City C-61/D-49 – Tree Service
Contracting without a license,
Illegal advertising

Paul Russell Sheff Jr.
Mission Hills C-36 – Plumbing
Contracting without a license,
Illegal advertising

Victor Covarrubias
Burbank C-61/D-49 – Tree Service
Contracting without a license,
Illegal advertising

Jeremias Vicente Pelico
Van Nuys C-36 – Plumbing
Contracting without a license,
Illegal advertising

Gilmer E. Rosal
Los Angeles C-36 – Plumbing
Contracting without a license,
Illegal advertising

Todd Christopher Grelyak
Simi Valley C-13 – Fencing
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 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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