Five individuals who posed as contractors without a license in California and took advantage of Eaton Fire victims in Altadena have now faced justice.

Daniel Escarzaga, 28; Andrew Escarzaga, 27; Edgar Geovanni Lopez Revolorio, 42, Melvin Mejia Ordonez, 41, and Guillermo Ramirez, 54, face felony charges for providing services without a license during a natural disaster, which carries penalties of up to three years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000. The Eaton Fire in Altadena last January destroyed more than 12,000 homes and structures and displaced tens of thousands of residents. “As we move into the rebuilding phase, another type of criminal emerges: unlicensed contractors who, by providing their services in an area devastated by fire during a declared emergency, commit a felony and essentially try to take advantage of people at their worst moment to profit from their tragedy,” said Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman. “If, when rebuilding, they want to do it quickly and cheaply, and someone approaches them and says, ‘I’m not licensed, but I can rebuild this for very little money as quickly as you want. Just pay me upfront.’ This increases the likelihood of fraud.” The district attorney said that they may see these contractors working on rebuilding their homes for a couple of weeks and then disappear. “One of the great advantages of being a licensed contractor is that they have gone through all the certifications required by the state, and therefore, you can trust them to build you a home that meets all the requirements.” He pointed out that when people trust an unlicensed contractor, there is a possibility they could be sued if any of the workers they bring onto their property are injured. “You will be sued for any injury to any of these employees that occurs on your property. And it won't be the contractor's responsibility because they are unlicensed.” Furthermore,He said it will be very difficult for those who hire unlicensed contractors to claim for losses or repairs if they don't comply with electrical or plumbing standards, and the foundations end up cracked. “That's why it's so important not to fall into their traps. It may be cheaper and faster, but there are many risks involved. Furthermore, it's a serious crime for these unlicensed contractors to sell their services for rebuilding a home or business.” He added that his office is cracking down on rogue contractors who prey on residents who have already lost so much and cannot afford to lose any more. “I urge communities affected by the wildfires to remain vigilant and report unlicensed contractors who put their safety and property at risk. This is important: You are still a victim of a crime even if you knowingly hired an unlicensed contractor and you must alert the authorities.” At a press conference on a property where a home was destroyed by the Eaton Fire, District Attorney Hochman, along with Supervisor Kathryn Barger, announced felony charges against five unlicensed contractors who were taking advantage of Eaton Altadena Fire victims in the process of rebuilding their homes. He also launched a campaign to warn unlicensed contractors that they will be prosecuted for their activity in the burned areas. that signs in English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, and Armenian will be posted in the affected neighborhoods.

“Rebuilding after the Eaton Fire is difficult enough, and no survivor should have to fear being exploited by unlicensed or unscrupulous contractors,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger.

“As Altadena recovers, we will continue to work together to safeguard the safety and peace of mind of residents.”

Who are the defendants?

The District Attorney’s Office always recommends verifying that a contractor is licensed. They ask that you check the website www.cslb.ca.gov.