Five unlicensed contractors cited in Contractors License Board sting in Red Bluff

RED BLUFF >> Five Redding men were cited during a state Contractors License Board sting operation that took place a Red Bluff commercial building Tuesday.

The sting operation was done with the assistance of the Tehama County District Attorney's Office.

Posing as property owners, the State License Board's Statewide Investigative Fraud Team called a list of potential suspects to find out if they were interested in bidding on projects that included painting, drywall, concrete, landscaping and tile work.

Most of the contacts were found through ads posted on craigslist.

"Our SWIFT teams conduct stings throughout the state each week to catch unlicensed, uninsured operators from taking advantage of property owners," License Board Registrar Steve Sands said. "Homeowners should never use unlicensed people for their projects these individuals have not passed trade or business examinations, nor undergone a criminal background check."

Bids at the sting ranged from $2,000 to $6,500, violating the project limit of $500 in combined labor and material costs.

A state contractor license is required for work that totals more than $500.

Steven Cole Pine, Devin Patrick Morrissey, Clifford Jay Markhart, Andrew James Frasure and Jose Pedro Pascual were each cited with a misdemeanor charge of contracting without a license.

Pine, Markhart, Frasure and Pascual received an additional citation for illegal advertising.

State law requires contractors to place their license number in all print, broadcast and online advertisements. Contractors without a license can advertise for jobs valued at less than $500, but their advertisement must state that they are not a licensed contractor.

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Five unlicensed contractors cited in Contractors License Board sting in Red Bluff