The Tulare County District Attorney’s Office and the Contractors State License Board worked together this past week to derail an extortion plot aimed at local businessman.

Investigators discovered that a local business owner, age 68 years, became the target of two individuals that were to grade and prepare the foundation for a new automotive repair mall project.

The suspects identified as Jerry Collins age 48, of Exeter and George D. Walker age 49, of Visalia, entered into an illegal commercial agreement to demolish, clean, and grade the area for the new “Cain Street Plaza” located near Cain and Main Sts., Visalia.

Investigators learned that in October 2007, the suspects began working on the project and provided an estimate to the owner for approximately $60,000. Afterward, the suspects demanded money that was 50% over the original agreed upon amount.

The victim discovered that the suspects were both unlicensed, uninsured and without the proper credentials for commercial demolition and grading. The ensuing investigation revealed that George Walker requested additional monies from the victim under the threat of placing a “Mechanics Lien” on the subject property.

Walker, as part of the plot, demanded an additional $25,000, above the additional amount already overpaid. Walker threatened the victim on at least six separate occasions, in March of 2008. Ultimately, Walker acted on his threat and recorded a false and perjured document in the form of a “Mechanics Lien” with the Tulare County Recorders Office.

During the last week of March, Walker demanded from the victim that he be hired for another $10,000 sum and to continue working on the project with Collins despite both lacking CSLB licenses.

Undercover Investigators posing as investors met both suspects yesterday at a local downtown restaurant and were met with the same extortion demands. Afterward, both men were arrested and booked into Tulare County Jail on multiple charges including elder abuse, extortion, unlicensed contracting and conspiracy. Both subjects are being held with a $50,000 bail amount at the Tulare County jail.

Commercial investors, businessman and homeowners are reminded that unlicensed commercial contractors will typically offer a service for less money, will work without liability or Workers Compensation Insurance and attempt to force the landowner to obtain permits from planning departments.

Consumers are warned that contractors that use these tactics are committing criminal offenses and in the end cost the consumer more money in delays, damages and lack of insurance for any injured workers.

The Tulare County DA and the CSLB urges consumers to follow these tips when hiring a contractor:
          • Be especially hesitant when approached by someone offering home improvement services door-to-door
          • Verify the contractor's license by checking online at www.cslb.ca.gov, or via CSLB’s automated
            phone service at 1-800-321-CSLB (2752)
          • Don't pay more than 10% down or $1,000, whichever is less
          • Don't pay cash, and don't let the payments get ahead of the work
          • Check references; get three bids and a written contract
          • Contact the CSLB if you have a complaint against a contractor

To report contractor violations please contact:
CSLB / State Wide Investigative Fraud Team
Sacramento Intake & Mediation Center
P.O. Box 269116
Sacramento CA 95826-9116
1-800-321-2752
www.cslb.ca.gov

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