Search results matching tag 'Contractor Sentenced'

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

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

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

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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Landscaper Accused Of Defrauding Two Homeowners Sentenced To One Year In Prison

edominguez — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:04:00 GMT

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

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.

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.

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Chavez Sentence Press Release.pdf

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

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