• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
CSLEA

California Statewide Law Enforcement Association

My union, My Choice!

  • Facebook
  • X
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • Join CSLEA
  • 24/7 LDF Hotline
  • About
    • About CSLEA
    • CSLEA Foundation
      • Scholarships
    • Legal Team
    • Board Officers and Directors
    • CSLEA Affiliates
    • Member Services Staff
    • Advocacy Consultants
    • Communications Division
  • News and Media
    • Working For You
    • News
    • Monthly Alert Newsletter
    • CSLEA Videos
    • CSLEA Mobile App
    • Communications Division
  • Membership
    • Join CSLEA
    • Member Benefits
    • Membership Insurance Programs
    • Exclusive Member Discounts
    • Member Resources
    • Supervisors & Managers Benefits
    • Member Information Services
    • Member Services Staff
  • Legal
    • LDF 24-Hour Hotline
    • Legal Defense Fund
      • LDF Team
      • LDF Plan Attorneys
      • LDF Plan Description
    • Legal Team
    • Legal Representation Committee
    • Admonishment Statement
    • Peace Officer Bill of Rights
    • Legal Victories
    • Know Your Rights
    • Legal FAQs
  • Advocacy
    • Current Legislation
    • Legislative Update
    • Legislative Request Form
    • PAC Endorsements
    • General Election Results
    • Advocacy Consultants
  • Contact Us
    • Address Update
    • Beneficiary Information Update
  • Join CSLEA
  • LDF 24-Hour Hotline
Search

News

CSLB Stings Catch 28 Suspected Unlicensed Contractors in Union City & Redding

Posted on February 13, 2020

SACRAMENTO – On February 4-5, 2020, the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) conducted undercover stings in Union City and Redding, catching a total of 28 people suspected of contracting without a license.

In the Union City sting, Taynara Bueno de Sousa-Melo a bid of $30,000 for a combination asphalt and paver project. $30,000 is well over the legal limit for contracting without a license. In California, it’s illegal for an unlicensed person to bid for or perform any home improvement valued at $500 or more in combined labor and material costs.

Bueno de Sousa-Melo and 15 other alleged unlicensed contractors gave bids at the Union City site for home improvement jobs, including general building, electrical, plumbing, fencing, HVAC, concrete, earthwork and carpentry.  The suspected unlicensed contractors are referred to the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office for possible prosecution. First-conviction penalties include up to six months in jail and/or up to $5,000 in fines.

CSLB partnered with the Alameda County D.A.’s office and the California Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) Division of Investigation (DOI) to conduct the undercover operation. CSLB Statewide Investigative Fraud Team (SWIFT) members posed as owners of a four-bedroom residence and invited alleged unlicensed contractors to place bids on home improvement work.

One repeat offender was among those caught in the Union City operation. Eddy Amdrocio was cited for illegal contracting after a San Leandro sting last November. That case is pending with the Alameda County D.A.’s Office. After being ensnared in this latest sting, Amdrocio could face a more severe second conviction penalty, which could result in a mandatory 90 days in jail, and a fine of 20 percent of the contract price or $5,000, whichever is greater.

Also, in Union City, two individuals cited for illegal contracting were incorrectly using a CSLB license number or using a license number that did not belong to them. They face a penalty for fraudulent use of an incorrect license number.

In the Redding operation, 12 people were busted for contracting without a license.  Investigators posed as the owners of a three-bedroom house and sought bids on projects such as tree removal, painting, deck construction, and fencing.  Bids ranged from $600 to $9,000 – all over the legal limit for contracting without a license.

“Consumers should always check CSLB’s website to verify they are hiring a licensed contractor and one who carries workers’ compensation insurance if the contractor hired uses workers,” said California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) President Alan Barcelona.  “Because not all consumers know to do that, and because licensed contractors lose out when unlicensed contractors come in with lower bids, CSLB investigators work to educate the public and enforce the law.  Hiring a licensed contractor protects the property owner from possible financial harm and shoddy work with no resolution.”

 

 

  •  Share on Facebook
  •  Share on X
  •  Share on LinkedIn
  •  Share via Email

Primary Sidebar

  • News and Media
    • Working For You
    • News
    • Monthly Alert Newsletter
    • CSLEA Videos
    • CSLEA Mobile App
    • Communications Division

Footer

  • About
    • About CSLEA
    • CSLEA Foundation
    • Legal Team
    • Board Officers and Directors
    • CSLEA Affiliates
    • Member Services Staff
    • Advocacy Consultants
    • Communications Division
  • News and Media
    • Working For You
    • News
    • Monthly Alert Newsletter
    • CSLEA Videos
    • CSLEA Mobile App
    • Communications Division
  • Membership
    • Join CSLEA
    • Member Benefits
    • Membership Insurance Programs
    • Exclusive Member Discounts
    • Member Resources
    • Supervisors & Managers Benefits
    • Member Information Services
    • Member Services Staff
  • Legal
    • LDF 24-Hour Hotline
    • Legal Defense Fund
    • Legal Team
    • Legal Representation Committee
    • Admonishment Statement
    • Peace Officer Bill of Rights
    • Legal Victories
    • Know Your Rights
    • Legal FAQs
  • Advocacy
    • Current Legislation
    • Legislative Update
    • Legislative Request Form
    • PAC Endorsements
    • General Election Results
    • Advocacy Consultants
  • Contact Us
    • Address Update
    • Beneficiary Information Update
  • Join CSLEA
  • LDF 24-Hour Hotline

CSLEA is a Member Association of PORAC

Download the CSLEA Mobile App
  • Facebook
  • X
  • Instagram
  • YouTube

Copyright © 2023 California Statewide Law Enforcement Association. All Rights Reserved.
Website designed and developed by 911MEDIA.