Sting targeting unlicensed contractors also nets convicted rapist

An undercover sting operation by the Contractors State License Board resulted in 10 citations, including one to a man found to have a previous rape conviction in another state.

The suspects were cited Tuesday during an undercover operation at a Sacramento home. The operation targeted unlicensed contractors seeking jobs that require a state contractors license. State investigators contacted most of the suspects through cragislist.org, asking them to bid on landscaping, floor covering, electrical, painting and fencing projects. Two suspects were targeted because they had failed to pay civil penalties for previously issued citations, according to a Contractors State License Board news release. They face new charges for failing to comply.

Gerald Mattie of Elk Grove received citations for contracting without a license and illegal advertising. During the interview process, investigators discovered that Mattie had a previous felony rape conviction in another state, which could make him ineligible for a California contractor license, authorities said.

Another suspect, Ricky Dwight Myers of Sacramento, provided investigators an estimate for new flooring. He was then cited and transported to jail on an outstanding no-bail warrant for failing to complete the requirements of a previous DUI conviction, officials said.

A total of 10 suspects received notices to appear in Superior Court. Nine face misdemeanor charges for contracting without a license. In California, all home improvement jobs valued at $500 or more in combined labor and material costs must be conducted by a company or individual with a state-issued license.

All but one of the suspects also face an additional misdemeanor charge of illegal advertising. State law requires contractors to place their license number in all print, broadcast and online advertisements. Those without a license can advertise to perform jobs valued at less than $500, but the advertisement must state that they are not licensed contractors.

One of the biggest risks property owners face with unlicensed contractors is that they rarely carry workers compensation insurance for their employees, authorities said. If someone is hurt while on the property, the property owner may be financially liable.

Receiving notices to appear, the license classification and alleged violations are:

Timothy Michael Koch Karr of Loomis, painting and decorating, contracting without a license and illegal advertising.

Anthony Shamel Williams of Sacramento, flooring and floor covering, contracting without a license and illegal advertising.

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Sting targeting unlicensed contractors also nets convicted rapist