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Undercover sting in Paso Robles cites 14 unlicensed contractors 

contractors sting

One of 14 suspects caught during CSLB undercover sting operation in Paso Robles.

One of 14 cited for contracting without a license also arrested for drugs

– A recent undercover sting in Paso Robles caught 14 suspected illegal contractors, and one of them was allegedly carrying methamphetamine and heroin.

The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) carried out the operation with help from the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office and the Paso Robles Police Department.

The sting took place on June 11-12, 2019, in a single-family home south of Highway 46. CSLB investigators posed as homeowners looking for help with home improvement projects. Bids ranged from $660 for painting work to $3,500 to install air-conditioning equipment. That’s above the $500 limit (materials and labor) when a state license becomes necessary.

All fourteen suspects caught in the sting could now face a misdemeanor criminal charge of contracting without a license. First-conviction penalties include up to six months in jail and/or up to $5,000 in fines.

contractors sting paso robles drugs

Paso Robles Police confirm one suspect caught at sting was in possession of methamphetamine and heroin.

One suspect was carrying an estimated 40 grams of methamphetamine and a small amount of heroin when he arrived at the sting location. Paso Robles Police cited the man with misdemeanors for those violations. He was also given contracting citations for illegal advertising, contracting without a license, excessive down payment, and failing to secure workers’ compensation.

Thirteen suspects also may face a second misdemeanor charge for illegal advertising. Licensed contractors must display their license number in all advertisements and unlicensed contractors must state in all ads that they do not have a license. The penalty for violating the advertising rules for unlicensed contractors is a fine of $700 to $1,000.

Seven suspects were cited for being in violation for not having workers’ compensation insurance. All contractors with employees must have workers’ compensation policy, offering protection should a worker be hurt on the job.

Six other suspects may also be charged with asking for an excessive down payment. The legal limit for a down payment is 10-percent of the contract price or $1,000, whichever is less.

“Consumers who invite unlicensed workers into their homes take unnecessary financial and personal risks,” said CSLB Registrar David Fogt. “It is one reason we encourage homeowners to make sure the person they hire is licensed.”

Consumers can verify a contractor’s license by running an “Instant License Check” on CSLB’s website. They can also get a list of licensed contractors in their area by using the “Find My Licensed Contractor” feature to search by city or ZIP code.

All suspects were ordered to appear on Sept. 10-11, 2019 at the San Luis Obispo County Superior Court, 1050 Monterey Street, Room 220, San Luis Obispo, CA 93408.

The Contractors State License Board notes that all suspects are presumed innocent until their case is resolved.

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About the author: News Staff

The news staff of the Paso Robles Daily News wrote or edited this story from local contributors and press releases. The news staff can be reached at info@pasoroblesdailynews.com.