County Attorney Press Releases : Deceptive Business

Remodeler Sentenced To Jail For Engaging In Deceptive Business Practices

edominguez — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 18:10:00 GMT

El Paso County Attorney Jo Anne Bernal today announced the sentencing of a 48-year-old East El Paso resident accused of engaging in Deceptive Business Practices.

On March 13, 2013, Adrian Zamarripa, owner of “A to Z Remodeling”, pled guilty in three Deceptive Business Practice cases before County Court at Law #4 Judge Alex Gonzalez. Zamarripa was sentenced to 18 months in jail and a $10,000 fine.

The first case involved a victim who paid the Defendant over $100,000 in advance to remodel his home, but the work was never finished. Since some services were delivered, it was determined that the amount of restitution due was just over $75,000. The Defendant repaid the victim $20,500, but thereafter failed to make any additional payments. After pleading guilty in this case, Zamarripa was sentenced to 365 days in jail and a $4,000 fine.

In the second case, the victim paid Zamarripa more than $18,000 to remodel her home; however, the job was never completed. In this case Judge Gonzalez sentenced Zamarripa to 365 days in jail and a $4,000 fine.

In the third case, the victim paid the Defendant $5,000 to remodel her home and, again, failed to do so. In this case Zamarripa was sentenced to 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine. Zamarripa won’t begin serving this sentence until he completes the first two sentences.

El Paso County Attorney Jo Anne Bernal expressed her satisfaction on the outcome of the case. “As a prosecutor, one of my priorities has always been to obtain as much restitution as possible for the victims of deceptive merchants. However, this is not always possible. The victims in these cases will never recover in full their hard-earned money, but at least they got some justice through the court system,” Bernal said. Bernal explained that this case illustrates how difficult it is to recover money for victims of unscrupulous merchants. “Consumers interested in remodeling their homes need to investigate the reputation of the contractors and be very cautious when paying money up front. We recommend the public not pay the complete amount of the contract until after the job is finished, and the homeowner is satisfied with the quality of the work,” Bernal concluded. In addition to the Better Business Bureau, residents interested in investigating the background of a prospective contractor can look up their criminal and civil case histories by visiting the County’s website at www.epcounty.com/records.

Residents who might have fallen victims of fraud or deceptive business practices are asked to contact the Criminal Section of the County Attorney's Office at 546-2050.

Zamarripa Remodeler Sentenced Press Release.pdf

Unscrupulous Remodeler Receives Time In Jail For Engaging In Deceptive Practices

edominguez — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 15:24:00 GMT

El Paso County Attorney Jo Anne Bernal today announced the sentencing of an El Paso resident accused of engaging in Deceptive Business Practices.

On February 26, 2013, 35-year-old Jesus Cruz pled guilty to one count of committing a Deceptive Business Practice, a crime punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a fine not to exceed $4,000. In addition, Cruz admitted to violating the terms of probation in another Deceptive Business Practice case.

In the new case, the victim paid Cruz $4,000 in advance to remodel his home. The State alleged that the repairs were never delivered. In the older case, Cruz was placed on probation and ordered to pay the homeowner more than $800, but even then failed to do so. In both cases, the Court sentenced the Defendant to 300 days in jail.

El Paso County Attorney Jo Anne Bernal expressed her satisfaction on the outcome of the case.

"My office tries to protect El Paso consumers from unscrupulous contractors and con-artists. This case is another example of a legal resource available to bring justice to the victims of El Paso County," Bernal said.

The El Paso County Attorney's Office recommends residents who are planning on doing renovations or improvements to their homes, to do some homework before hiring anyone. It is highly recommended to first check the contractor's references and business record with the Better Business Bureau and with our office.

Homeowners can also look up the criminal and civil case histories of prospective contractors on the County's website at www.epcounty.com/records.

The El Paso County Attorney's Office warns consumers against paying out large down payments and only if necessary, scheduling ‘progress payments'- periodic payments made only after designated portions of work have been successfully completed.

"Consumers must be very cautious when paying money up front. Once the consumer has given money to an unscrupulous contractor, it is very difficult for us to get the money back even after the Defendant has pled guilty and been placed on probation," Bernal said.

"We recommend the public not pay the complete amount of the contract until after the job is finished, and the homeowner is satisfied with the quality of the work," Bernal concluded.

Residents who might have fallen victims of fraud or deceptive business practices are asked to contact the Criminal Section of the County Attorney's Office at 546-2050.

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Cruz Remodeler Sentenced Press Release.pdf

El Paso County Attorney To Offer Services to Northeast Residents

edominguez — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 18:35:00 GMT

On Friday, December 2, 2011, El Paso County Attorney Jo Anne Bernal will hold an Open House for its new office in Northeast El Paso.

The opening of this new office is part of a plan by County Attorney Jo Anne Bernal to provide free services at locations that are closer and more accessible to victims of crime who live in the outlying areas of the County.

WHO: El Paso County Attorney Jo Anne Bernal

WHAT: Grand Opening of new office in Northeast El Paso

WHEN: Friday December 2, 2011, at 10:00 a.m.

WHERE: El Paso County Northeast Annex

4641 Cohen St., Suite D (County Veterans Assistance Office)

NE Office Grand Opening Press Advisory.pdf

Lower Valley Ballroom Administrators Arrested For Deceptive Business Practices

edominguez — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 21:48:00 GMT

Today El Paso County Attorney Jo Anne Bernal announced the arrest of two individuals accused of shutting down their party hall business without notice after taking thousands of dollars in advance payments from unsuspecting consumers.

Mission Valley Ballroom administrator Donna Cortez Flores and ballroom's manager Ricardo Espinoza were arrested today by County Attorney's investigators. Flores was arrested around 9:15 a.m. at a residence in East El Paso. Espinoza was detained at his current place of employment in central El Paso.

Police reports indicate that from September, 2008, and up until January 2011, the defendants received more than $98,000 from 36 residents who paid them in advance to hold events at the Mission Valley Ballroom scheduled for 2011. After closing the ballroom at the beginning of this year, the defendants are alleged to have failed to return the money to the victims.

El Paso County Attorney Jo Anne Bernal explained "a business owner who takes money in advance, receives that money in trust. If they choose to violate that trust, the law holds them accountable."

"We allege these defendants violated the law and that trust," Bernal concluded.

El Paso County Attorney's Office filed criminal charges in relation to 6 of the victims, and continues investigating the cases for the remaining 30 victims. Additional arrests are likely.

45 year-old Donna Cortez Flores faces six counts of Deceptive Business Practices, a crime of dishonesty punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a fine not to exceed $4,000. She was booked in the County jail shortly after 10:00 a.m. and her bond was set at $1,800.

45-year-old Ricardo Espinoza faces five counts of Deceptive Business Practices, and his bond was set at $2,500.

Residents who believe they might be victims of this or any other similar case, are asked to contact the Criminal Section of the County Attorney's Office, at 546-2050.

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Canadian Citizen Featured On El Paso’s Most Wanted In October Sentenced For Deceptive Business

edominguez — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 18:12:00 GMT

El Paso County Attorney Jo Anne Bernal today announced the sentencing of a Canadian citizen accused of committing Deceptive Business Practices in El Paso.

This morning, 71-year-old Gordan Gladu received a 331 day sentence after pleading guilty to two Deceptive Business Practice cases, crimes involving fraud and deceit punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a fine not to exceed $4,000.

Between March and October, 2010, Gladu, who was doing business as G & G Services," received more than $8,000 from 2 victims to install new windows, but the windows were never delivered.

After accepting the guilty plea this morning, County Criminal Court at Law #1 Judge Alma Trejo sentenced Gladu to 300 days in jail in one case (which involved almost $8,000), and to 31 days in jail in the second case.

Shortly after appearing in Crime Stoppers of El Paso Most Wanted list on October 11, 2010, Gladu was arrested. At the time of his arrest, Gladu was on probation for Theft of Property of more than $20,000 but less than $100,000.

El Paso County Attorney Jo Anne Bernal said this case should serve as a warning to contractors who seek to deceive the public. Bernal further advises consumers to be cautious when hiring contractors, landscapers, or other businesses that ask for money in advance, or make promises of huge savings.

"Mr. Gladu has a long criminal history and continued to cheat consumers even after being placed on probation. Consumers need to remember that if they pay for work in advance it is very difficult to get their hard-earned money back if the work is never delivered," Bernal said.

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Most Wanted Sentencing Press Release.pdf

County Attorney Investigators Locate Man Accused Of Writing More Than One Hundred Hot Checks

edominguez — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 20:57:00 GMT

Dozens of local merchants scammed out of thousands of dollars.

El Paso County Attorney Jo Anne Bernal today announced the arrest of a Horizon City resident accused of scamming dozens of local merchants and landlords out of thousands of dollars.

Forty eight year-old Michael Nowell was arrested yesterday evening on 8 open warrants on charges that range from felony theft, theft by check, and failure to appear in court.

Up until yesterday, Nowell had been arrested twice before on charges of theft by check. On both occasions, the defendant bonded out of jail and never showed up for his court dates. Nowell was able to keep avoiding arrest by constantly moving to different residences, and in the meantime, handing out dozens of insufficient funds checks to landlords, moving service companies, furniture stores, and even a carpeting company.

According to complaints filed with police, Nowell would often wear scrubs, a stethoscope and claim he was a medical doctor to convince his victims of extending him credit or to accept his checks.

As of today's date, the County Attorney's Office has received 102 complaints of insufficient funds checks against the defendant. The checks total more than $14,500.

The County Attorney's Office has also learned that the Pima County Attorney's Office has several open warrants against Nowell for handing out hot checks to 7 different landlords.

Michael Nowell is currently in the El Paso County jail and his bond has been set at $36,000. The County Attorney is requesting individuals who might have additional complaints against the defendant, to file a report as soon as possible with the El Paso Police Department or the Sheriff's Office.

"The County Attorney's Office investigators worked vigorously during several weeks to locate and arrest Mr. Nowell. This case illustrates the level of commitment my office has to combat fraud in our community and to help local merchants who are victims of hot check writers," El Paso County Attorney Jo Anne Bernal said.

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Michael Nowell

Con-Artist Arrested Press Release.pdf

Remodeler Receives Enhanced Punishment For Engaging In Deceptive Practices

edominguez — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 19:49:00 GMT

El Paso County Attorney Jo Anne Bernal today announced the sentencing of an El Paso resident accused of engaging in Deceptive Business Practices.

On August 6, 2010, 31-year-old Jesus Piña pled guilty to one count of committing a Deceptive Business Practice, a crime of dishonesty punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a fine not to exceed $4,000. However, Piña will serve 2 years in prison because the County Attorney's Office presented evidence that Piña is a habitual offender.

The County Attorney's Office requested County Court at Law #7 Judge Robert Anchondo to run Mr. Piña's sentence consecutively with another one year sentence that was imposed the same day on another Deceptive Business case.

In order to obtain the enhanced punishment, Assistant County Attorney Arne Schonberger demonstrated in court that, since 1999, Piña has accumulated 11 convictions for engaging in various felonies and misdemeanors.

It was presented to the Court that Piña would receive from victims thousands of dollars in upfront payments for construction jobs he never finished. The Court ordered restitution of $4,800 and $9,000 on the two cases today. Upon completion of his sentence, Mr. Piña is scheduled to be surrendered to immigration authorities for possible deportation.

El Paso County Attorney Jo Anne Bernal expressed her satisfaction on the outcome of the case.

"My office takes our responsibility of protecting El Paso consumers from unscrupulous contractors and con-artists very seriously. This case is another example of my office's willingness to consider every available legal resource to bring justice to the victims," Bernal said.

"If you are planning on doing renovations or improvements to your home, do your homework before hiring anyone. It is highly recommended that you first check the contractor's references and business record with the Better Business Bureau and with our office," Bernal added.

Homeowners can also look up on the County's website at www.epcounty.com/records the criminal and civil case histories of prospective contractors.

"In addition to researching your contractor, it is important to lay out when monies will be paid. Consumers must be very cautious when paying money up front. Once the consumer has given money to an unscrupulous contractor, it is very difficult for us to get it back. This is why we recommend the public not pay the complete amount of the contract until after the job is finished, and the homeowner is satisfied with the quality of the work," Bernal concluded.

The El Paso County Attorney's Office warns consumers against paying out large down payments and only if necessary, scheduling ‘progress payments' -periodic payments made only after designated portions of work have been satisfactory completed.

Residents who might have fallen victims of fraud or deceptive business practices are asked to contact the Criminal Section of the County Attorney's Office at 546-2050.

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Pina Sentence Press Release.pdf

Landscaper Accused Of Defrauding Two Homeowners Sentenced To One Year In Prison (Jesus Chavez)

edominguez — Fri, 14 May 2010 15:22:00 GMT

El Paso County Attorney Jo Anne Bernal today announced the sentencing of a Horizon City landscaper accused of Deceptive Business Practices.

This afternoon 46-year-old Jesús Chávez received the maximum sentence possible after pleading guilty to two counts of committing a Deceptive Business Practice, a crime of dishonesty punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a fine not to exceed $4,000.

According to court records, between October 19 and October 24, 2007 Chávez received $6,800 to landscape the front and back of an East El Paso home, but the work was never completed.

Between August and September of the same year, on another unrelated incident, an Upper Valley resident gave Chávez more than $8,500 to landscape the front of his house, but just as in the previous case, the job was never completed.

After accepting the guilty plea, County Court at Law #2 Judge Julie González sentenced Chávez to 365 days in jail for each count, to run concurrently.

El Paso County Attorney Jo Anne Bernal said the harsh sentence should send a message to dishonest contractors who prey on unsuspecting consumers. These businesses often promise huge financial savings to the consumer who ultimately ends up with nothing.

"These cases should also warn consumers about the dangers of paying for work in advance, because if the work is never completed, it is very difficult to get their hard-earned money back," Bernal concluded.

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Chavez Sentence Press Release.pdf

Tornillo Resident Sentenced For Deceptive Sale Of Horses

edominguez — Fri, 14 May 2010 15:20:00 GMT

El Paso County Attorney Jo Anne Bernal today announced the sentencing of a resident of Tornillo accused of Deceptive Business Practices.

This morning 38-year-old Pedro Buentello pled guilty to 1 count of committing a Deceptive Business Practice, a crime of dishonesty punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a fine not to exceed $4,000.

According to the police complaint, on September 11, 2008 Buentello offered to sell the victim 45 horses for $2,850. A handwritten contract was signed and the victim paid Buentello $1,400, but the horses were never delivered and the money was never returned.

After accepting the guilty plea, County Court at Law #1 visiting Judge John L. Fashing sentenced Buentello to 300 days in jail.

"The County Attorney's Office is committed to protect consumers from unscrupulous salesmen who prey on unsuspecting and trusting citizens of this community," said El Paso County Attorney Jo Anne Bernal.

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Deceptive Sale of Horses Press Release.pdf

Contractor Sentenced For Deceptive Business Practices (De Campo)

edominguez — Fri, 14 May 2010 15:15:00 GMT

El Paso County Attorney Jo Anne Bernal today announced the sentencing of an East-side remodeler accused of Deceptive Business Practices.

This morning 33-year-old Maiam De Campo received the maximum possible sentence after pleading guilty to 1 count of committing a Deceptive Business Practice, a crime of dishonesty punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a fine not to exceed $4,000.

According to the police complaint, on April 28, 2007 De Campo charged an east-side home owner almost $5,200 to remodel a bathroom, however the job was never done.

After accepting the guilty plea, County Court at Law #7 Judge Thomas Spieczny sentenced De Campo to 365 days in jail.

Additionally, De Campo pled guilty to a Class "A" Theft by Check charge after writing insufficient funds checks to two employees of his business "Maiam's Title and Construction." Those payroll checks were cashed by a local business that suffered the loss. De Campo was sentenced to a second 365 day concurrent sentence for the theft by checks.

El Paso County Attorney Jo Anne Bernal said this maximum sentence of one year in jail should serve as a message to others to deliver what they promise in the market place."

"Consumers and businesses alike suffer the loss of fraud." said Jo Anne Bernal.

"Our office prosecutes individuals who defraud merchants with bad checks and fraudulently take money from consumers," Bernal finalized.

Remodeler Sentenced Press Release.pdf

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Contractor Sentenced For Deceptive Business Practices

edominguez — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 21:05:00 GMT

El Paso County Attorney Jo Anne Bernal today announced the sentencing of a North-East contractor accused of Deceptive Business Practices.

34-year-old José Martínez pled guilty this week to 2 counts of committing a Deceptive Business Practice, a crime of dishonesty punishable by up to one year in jail and/or fine not to exceed $4,000. According to the police complaint, on December 14, 2007 Martínez charged an east-side home owner $9,550 to fix a roof and build a carport; however the job was never finished.

During the course of the investigation, it was revealed that in his advertisements Martínez falsely claimed he was licensed and bonded.

After accepting the guilty plea, County Court at Law #2 Judge Robert Anchondo sentenced Martinez to 90 days in jail.

El Paso County Attorney Jo Anne Bernal said consumers should not only make sure contractors are licensed and bonded, but need to make sure all the permits are filed with the City.

"Con artists will do anything to get their hands on your money, including being dishonest about licenses and bonds. Consumers need to be very careful to hire only reputable businesses and not pay for work upfront," Bernal said.

"Once a homeowner parts with his money, all he has in return is the hope that the contractor will do what he said he would do. Civil suits against contractors are often a waste of time and money because even if the homeowner wins the suit he frequently cannot collect on the judgment," Bernal finalized.

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Roofer Sentenced Press Release.pdf

East-Side Contractor Sentenced For Deceptive Business Practices

edominguez — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 22:44:00 GMT

El Paso County Attorney Jo Anne Bernal today announced the sentencing of an east-side contractor who remained a fugitive several months after he was scheduled to appear in court to face criminal charges.

24-year-old Daniel Barajas pled guilty this week to one charge of Deceptive Business Practice, a class "A" misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and/or fine not to exceed $4,000.00.

Court records show that Barajas failed to appear for a court hearing in December 2008. He was arrested again on October 6, 2009, and this week County Court at Law #1 Judge Ricardo Herrera sentenced him to six months in jail for the crime of Deceptive Business Practice.

According to the police complaint, on October 11, 2007 Barajas charged an east-side home-owner $6,200 to construct a storage building; however the job was never finished.

El Paso County Attorney Jo Anne Bernal said her office is committed to prosecute vigorously these types of crimes.

"Consumers must be very cautious when it comes to giving builders money up front. Once the consumer has given money to the unscrupulous contractor, it is very difficult for us to get it back. This is why we recommend to the public to pay the complete amount of the contract only after the job is finished, and after corroborating the quality of the goods or services received," Bernal said.

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Builder Sentenced Press Release.pdf

El Paso County Attorney and Texas Attorney General take Action to Halt El Paso County Colonia Development

edominguez — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 22:12:00 GMT

Developers illegally subdivided residential lots lacking water, sewage facilities

AUSTIN - Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott charged the developers of the Galindo Subdivision in western El Paso County with violating state colonia-prevention laws. According to court documents filed in Travis County district court, the defendants illegally subdivided residential lots and failed to install or bond water and waste water facilities before selling the lots to unsuspecting purchasers.

The state's enforcement action, which was filed jointly with El Paso County Attorney José R. Rodríguez, names Homero R. Galindo, Rosella A. Galindo, Nahum Prieto and Rosella Prieto. All four were cited for subdividing an eight-acre tract into four lots for residential use without obtaining the required plat approval from El Paso County Commissioners Court. Further, the defendants sold the lots without installing or bonding water and wastewater facilities, a basic requirement for plat approval. Having an unapproved subdivision lot can bar a buyer from obtaining needed water and electricity connections.

Under Texas law, developers in counties along the Texas-Mexico border must obtain county approval of a subdivision plat before subdividing and selling residential lots. Obtaining plat approval secures water and wastewater facilities, and makes the property eligible for connections to the local electric utility. In Texas, residential subdivisions near the U.S.-Mexico border that lack adequate water or wastewater services required by state law are commonly referred to as colonias. Most colonias lie outside city limits or in isolated areas of a county.

The state's enforcement action seeks an injunction compelling the defendants to comply with colonia-prevention laws, as well as an order requiring the developers to file proper plats with the county and install fully compliant water and sewer systems. Alternatively, the state seeks refunds for lot purchasers harmed by the defendants' alleged conduct. The Attorney General also seeks civil penalties of up to $15,000 for each lot conveyed in violation of the law.

The case against the Galindoses and Prietoses is one of six colonias cases the Office of the Attorney General has pursued this year. During the 2007 regular session, the Texas Legislature passed a measure that provides the OAG with additional resources to prevent unlawful colonia developments. Since Sept. 1, 2007, the OAG has filed 19 enforcement actions involving subdivisions in five counties. Of the 19 petitions filed, seven cases have been prosecuted to final judgment.

Before purchasing residential property outside the city limits, border area home buyers should check with county officials to confirm that the property was legally subdivided and that the developer has made necessary arrangements to supply required infrastructure.

Texans can file complaints with the OAG against developers or sellers who fail to provide water and wastewater services, or who subdivide land without first obtaining necessary county approval. Complaints can be filed on the Attorney General's Web site at www.texasattorneygeneral.gov or by calling (800) 252-8011.

The Office of the Attorney General also maintains the state's Colonia Geographic Database, which offers geographic and descriptive data on more than 2000 colonias in 30 border area counties. To access the database, or for more information regarding Attorney General Abbott's colonias-prevention efforts, visit the "Texas-Mexico Border" page on the Attorney General's Web site.

El Paso County vs Galindo Lawsuit.pdf

County Attorney’s Office To Receive Award For Helping Victims Of Deceptive Business

edominguez — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 23:24:00 GMT

Award to be presented at the Annual Meeting of the BBB

On Wednesday April 29, 2009, the local chapter of the Better Business Bureau will present El Paso County Attorney José R. Rodríguez the "Outstanding Leader Award" for partnering with the BBB to establish an arbitration program that allows quick restitution for victims of deceptive business practices.

Both agencies established the program in 2006, with support from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), to expedite the resolution of criminal cases involving first offenders, and to increase the amount of restitution collected by the victims.

Instead of waiting for a trial to be set, which could take months, the plaintiff and the merchant commit to arbitration where the claims are evaluated at no cost to the consumer. The program helps victims of Deceptive Business Practices receive fast and fair restitution, while the merchants, who offend for the first time, can avoid a conviction and resolve the criminal case at a minimum cost.

The arbitration program also saves taxpayers a significant amount of money by reducing the amount of time that the courts, prosecutors and defense attorneys have to spend on these cases. By doing so, the process allows the State to prosecute more cases that would otherwise be possible with existing resources.

Recently the program has received countrywide attention after wining the 2008 Myers Memorial Award given by the National Better Business Bureau

County Attorney José Rodriguez will receive the "Outstanding Leader Award" during the Better Business Bureau's annual meeting, Wednesday April 29 at 11:30 a.m. at the Camino Real Hotel, 101 S. El Paso St.

WHO: County Attorney José R. Rodríguez

WHAT: BBB's Annual Meeting

WHEN: Wednesday April 29, 2009 at 11:30 a.m.

WHERE: Camino Real Hotel

101 S. El Paso St.

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BBB Outstanding Leader Award Press Release.pdf

Contractor Sentenced To 10 Months In Jail For Engaging In Deceptive Business Practices

edominguez — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 20:41:00 GMT

El Paso County Attorney José R. Rodríguez announced today the sentencing of a local contractor accused of defrauding two El Paso residents.

38 year-old José Galván pled guilty this morning to 2 counts of Deceptive Business Practices at County Criminal Court #1. Judge Carlos Carrasco sentenced Galván to 300 days in jail.

According to one of the complaint affidavits, on September 2004 the defendant, doing business as "J & G Construction," received $37,000 to build an addition to a home in the Cielo Vista area. The victim complained that only one third of the work was completed.

The second complaint alleged that on January 2006 Galván, doing business as "Luxury Homes," received $126,000 to build a house in the Socorro area, but only completed half the work. The victim also claimed that a couple of months after she signed the contract, a local physician contacted her and told her that Galván had sold her house to him.

As of today, the local chapter of the Better Business Bureau does not have any complaints or negative information against José Galván or his two companies. The County Attorney's Office encourages consumers to always file complaints with the BBB when they believe that have been victimized, as these complaints provide a service to other potential customers in the community.

After the sentencing, County Attorney José R. Rodríguez warned consumers about the dangers of engaging in "advance fee" contracts.

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J & G Construction Press Release.pdf