Ledger-Dispatch10 arrested in undercover sting targeting unlicensed contractors
Thursday, November 06, 2008
By Staff Report (editor@ledger-dispatch.com) 
An undercover investigation of alleged unlicensed contracting resulted in the 
arrest of 10 people in Jackson last Thursday.

Investigators posed as homeowners and invited bids on home improvement projects 
at a sting house in Jackson on Oct. 30. The multi-agency operation included 
investigators from the Contractors State License Board, Jackson Police 
Department, Amador County Sheriff's Office and the Amador County District 
Attorney's Office.

Among those arrested was Bruce "Buddy" White of B&G Heat and Air, whose 
contractor's license is currently suspended and who has a pending criminal jury 
trial in Amador County Superior Court involving alleged diversion of 
construction funds and embezzlement by a contractor. Others arrested include 
Gary J. Shroyer of Pioneer, George R. Hoerr of Mt. Aukum, William T. Campus of 
Pine Grove, James G. Kane Jr. of Volcano, Timothy J. Telles of Pine Grove, 
Phillip Vasilopulos of Mountain Ranch, Jeffrey E. Dearman of Mountain Ranch, 
Joshua A. Lupton of Ione, and Harold M. Foley of Mokelumne Hill.

Each count of contracting without a license and unlawful advertising is a 
misdemeanor and is punishable by up to six months in jail and/or a $1,000 fine 
for the first offense. Fraudulent use of a license number may be charged as a 
felony and is punishable by imprisonment in the state prison and/or a fine up to 
$10,000.

All contractors who perform work that is valued at $500 or more including labor 
and materials must be licensed by the Contractors State License Board. The CSLB 
and the Amador County District Attorney's Office urge consumers to follow these 
suggestions before hiring someone to work on your home:

- Hire only licensed contractors: Check a contractor's license number on the 
CSLB Web site at www.cslb.ca.gov or call (800) 321-CSLB (2752) and find out if 
there are any complaints or irregularities. Consumers can also find information 
on how to file a complaint.

- Verify workers' compensation insurance coverage: Employers are required to 
obtain a workers' compensation insurance policy to protect employees who may be 
injured on the job. Check the status of a contractor's workers' compensation 
policy on the CSLB Web site.

- Get a written contract: Don't sign anything until you completely understand 
the terms. Avoid making cash payments and don't let payments get ahead of work. 
Keep a file of all papers related to your project.

- Report fraud: Everyone suffers because of fraud. Tax dollars are wasted, the 
price of consumer goods increases and legitimate employers lose money. To report 
unlicensed contracting activity or someone committing fraud, call the 
Contractors State License Board SWIFT Unit in Sacramento at (916) 255-2924 or 
the Amador County District Attorney's Office at 223-6444.




      Staff Report