Sting Targets Unlicensed Contractors, St. Helena Police Say

ST. HELENA, CA — Special investigators with the California Contractors State License Board posed as local homeowners in a recent sting operation targeting unlicensed contractors, St. Helena police Chief Chris Hartley said Friday.

The CSLB Statewide Investigative Fraud Team —SWIFT —members posed as homeowners of a residence in a senior community and invited alleged unlicensed contractors to place bids on renovation work, Hartley said in a news release.

These bids included flooring, fencing, painting, remodeling, and concrete work.

"CSLB discovered the contractors were unlicensed, placing excessive bids, and potentially preying on the senior community," Harley said.

As a result of the decoy operation held June 16-17, investigators from the St. Helena Police Department, CSLB, the Napa County District Attorney’s Office and the Calistoga Police Department, issued citations for 22 suspected misdemeanor charges.

Some of the charges filed included: unlicensed contractor, illegal advertisement, excessive down payment, driving under the influence of drugs - methamphetamine, possession of paraphernalia and unlicensed driver.

Additionally, CSLB filed nine administrative cases.

"The SHPD performed this operation as a proactive measure to protect homeowners and citizens of St. Helena," Hartley said. "Unlicensed contractors can put homeowners at risk because they do not carry workers' compensation or liability insurance. This puts the homeowners liable if someone is injured on the job."

Consumers can check a contractor's license by searching their license number, name or their business name, Hartley said. The search results also show whether the contractor's license is active and in good standing, as well as workman’s comp information. The contractor's individual page also lists bond information and if CSLB has taken any actions against the contractor's license.