Sting nets unlicensed contractors

Several North State contractors were caught operating unlicensed, according to a recent sting conducted by the Contractors State License Board’s Statewide Investigative Fraud Team (SWIFT) and the Butte County District Attorney’s Office.

Posing as homeowners in need of home-improvement repairs, investigators asked for bids on projects such as fencing, painting, concrete work and tree-trimming. As required by law, any jobs of $500 or more in labor and materials must be done by a licensed contractor.

SWIFT found 10 people, including Thomas Allan Box of Chico, allegedly in violation of the law. One man, Ronald Logan of Magalia, is a three-time repeat offender, according to a press release from the License Board. The Ridge tree trimmer was cited $250 back in 2000 and $2,500 in 2002, but has paid neither fine. He now faces $5,000 in fines and up to six months in jail.

The suspects are scheduled for arraignment next month at Butte County Superior Court.