Dozens of Illegal Operators Caught in Redondo Beach Sting by Contractors State License Board
Elder Abuse suspect among those arrested in joint operation with Redondo Beach Police
REDONDO BEACH, CA — A man suspected of taking more than $100,000 from an elderly victim was among those nabbed by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) in a sting operation that was conducted in cooperation with the Redondo Beach Police Department and District Attorney’s office this week.
Members of CSLB’s Statewide Investigative Fraud Team (SWIFT) posed as homeowners during the two-day operation on June 25 and June 26, 2008. The SWIFT team invited more than 50 suspects to the sting house, who bid on projects that included masonry, painting, concrete and rain gutters. When suspects offered bids over $500, they were cited. California law requires a state contractor’s license for home improvement jobs that are valued at $500 or more in material and labor. Thirty-two (32) of the suspects were given a notice to appear (NTA) for illegal contracting and/or illegal advertising.
Investigators gather their leads from illegal advertisements, consumer complaints, and tips from licensed, legitimate contractors. Santos Victorino Membreno, doing business as Victor the Plumber, had an existing CSLB complaint of financial elder abuse filed against him. He received an invitation to the sting, where he was booked on a warrant for driving without a license. The 43-year-old, of Los Angeles, was also cited for contracting without a license, illegal advertising, and illegally excessive down payments. (Business & Professions Code 7027.1(a), 7028(a), 7159.5(a) (3))
"Suspects who are caught in the Board’s sting operations usually have other legal problems," said CSLB Registrar Steve Sands. "Homeowners are taking serious risks when they use unlicensed people for work on their property. This latest operation emphasizes the fact that it pays to hire licensed contractors."
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