14 contractors arrested in Costa Mesa sting operation

Photo by Gustavo Castillo [Public domain], via Wikimedia CommonsAn undercover sting conductedby state, Orange County and Costa Mesa agencies resulted in the arrests of 14 contractors allegedly operating without a license, authorities said Wednesday.

The sting was conducted last week involving the Contractors State License Board, Orange County District Attorneys Office and Costa Mesa Building Division.

Undercover investigators bid on home improvement projects at a Costa Mesa residence. The projects were expected to cost more than $500 each. They included painting, building concrete driveways and walkways, flooring and tile work.

Contractors must have licenses if they bid more than $500 on a project.

Twelve of the 14 contractors did not disclose their unlicensed status, and two may face an additional charge of illegally using another contractors license, authorities said.

Not only do illegal contractors take opportunities away from legitimate business owners, they fundamentally deceive our residents and property owner, said Costa Mesa CEO Tom Hatch.

Building permits in Costa Mesa have increased 21 percent over the last three years, and there has been an influx of unlicensed contractors. The result has been an increase in complaints from residents who had contractors who did shoddy work or didnt finish their work, Hatch said.

Anyone planning on hiring a contractor should contract the Costa Mesa Building Division at (714) 754-5273 to see if contractors have city licenses.

City News Service

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14 contractors arrested in Costa Mesa sting operation