LA Prosecutor Charges Five Unlicensed Contractors Targeting Eaton Fire Victims

Los Angeles prosecutors have taken a hard line against a group of five men who offered to repair homes in Altadena after the devastating Eaton Fire, despite lacking the required licenses. The charges were announced Thursday by District Attorney Nathan Hochman and County Supervisor Kathryn Barger during a news conference held in front of a house that had not yet been rebuilt.

Charges Filed Against Five Unlicensed Contractors

Hochman identified the accused as Guillermo Ramirez, Edgar Geovanni Lopez, Melvin Hairon Meija Ordonez, Daniel Escarzaga, and Andrew Escarzaga. They face felony counts for operating as unlicensed contractors under California Business and Professions Code §7028.16. Hochman warned the public, “Get the heck out of our community, unlicensed contractors.”

Warning to Eaton Fire Victims

The prosecutor emphasized the risks of hiring unlicensed workers. “These folks are not insured,” Hochman said, calling them “another type of criminal” who are “trying to make profit off Eaton Fire victims.” He cautioned that if something goes wrong during construction, victims have no insurance to pursue. Hochman also warned that victims could be sued for any injury that occurs on their property, stating, “You will be sued for any injury of any of these employees that occurs on your property, and it will not be the responsibility of this unlicensed contractor because they’re unlicensed.”

Potential Penalties

Under the wildfire state of emergency, operating as an unlicensed contractor can result in up to three years in prison or a $10,000 fine. The five men are scheduled to be arraigned on Jan. 8.

Supervisor Barger’s Promise

Supervisor Barger joined Hochman in condemning the contractors. “Let me tell you that that is not a threat, that is a promise,” she said. “That is a promise that as a county supervisor, I will do everything in my power to make sure that the weight of every single law comes down hard on people that take advantage of our survivors.”

Public Awareness Campaign

Hochman announced a statewide signage initiative. Signs warning of unlicensed contractors will appear across the region and will be translated into Spanish, Korean, and Chinese. “If you are someone who has been approached by an unlicensed contractor, if you are someone who has actually hired an unlicensed contractor, whether you knew it or didn’t know it at the time, you are the victim under the statute,” Hochman explained.

Resources for Survivors

The county will release a list of licensed contractors, though it will not endorse any specific firm. LA County also offers confidential counseling for recovery projects; survivors can visit the county website or call 800‑593‑8222 for assistance. Barger added, “Let’s continue to rebuild Altadena responsibly and with the peace of mind of our survivors and what they deserve.”

Account of an Accused Contractor

NBC Los Angeles interviewed one of the accused. He said he was called to do work and did not seek it out, adding that he advertises clearly that he is unlicensed and believed it was OK if the work was under $1,000. A deputy district attorney told the outlet that “disclosing that you do unlicensed work does not make it lawful to offer services if the work requires a contractor license, even if the work is under $1,000.”

Key Takeaways

• Five men charged with unlicensed contracting after the Eaton Fire.
• Victims face lack of insurance and potential lawsuits.
• Penalties include up to three years prison or a $10,000 fine.
• County will post multilingual signs and provide a list of licensed contractors.

The announcement signals a firm stance against fraud and unlicensed work in the wake of the wildfire, aiming to protect survivors and ensure responsible rebuilding in Altadena.