Sting leads to arrest of 92 unlicensed contractors

UNION CITY, Calif.

Nearly 100 people, including 14 Bay Area residents, could face criminal charges after being arrested in statewide undercover sting targeting unlicensed contractors.

Fraud investigators from the Contractors State License Board said at a news conference in Union City Friday that they conducted stings on Wednesday and Thursday in Alameda, Sonoma, Monterey, Los Angeles, Placer, San Diego and San Luis Obispo counties.

Investigators posed as homeowners seeking bids for home improvements such as painting, flooring, landscaping, fence repair, tree trimming, gutter installation, and water heater replacement.

A total of 92 individuals were arrested and now may face misdemeanor charges of contracting without a license.

State licensing officials said the penalty for a conviction is up to six months in jail and/or a fine of up to $5,000.

They said at least two of those arrested this week are repeat offenders who now face a mandatory 90-day jail sentence if convicted a second time.

State officials said 77 of those who were arrested also may be charged with illegal advertising, as state law requires contractors to place their license number in all print, broadcast, and online advertisements.

They said 12 others may be charged with requesting an excessive down payment, as in California a down payment cannot exceed 10 percent of the contract total or $1,000, whichever is less.

In addition, they said 14 of the allegedly phony contractors were issued Stop Orders.

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Sting leads to arrest of 92 unlicensed contractors