Unlicensed Operator Arrested for Third Time After Attempt to get Government Contract

State Contractors Board credits alert Sacramento Regional Transit employee for tip.

Published October 31, 2005

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – An unlicensed California landscaper who was arrested twice earlier this year for contracting without a license was arrested again by the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) when he tried to bid on a government job. A Sacramento Regional Transit (RT) procurement analyst became suspicious of a new contractor who dropped off a business card and picked up a bid package for concrete work. The analyst checked the license number on the business card at the CSLB Web site and found the number did not match up.

HOW DO YOU STAY LEGAL? 

    The services provided by green industry professionals have often been referred to as "easy-entry" businesses because of the low capital needed to purchase equipment and start selling services. As a result, some lawn and landscape service providers may go about their work without acquiring the appropriate licenses and permits to operate a business.

    With the recent re-arrest of a California landscaper, Lawn & Landscape is interested in learning how you work to keep your business legal and what your reaction is to unlicensed contractors. Visit the Lawn & Landscape Online Message Board to share your thoughts on the issue. Here are some questions to get the conversation started:

  • How do you feel about the California landscaper who has been arrested three times for operating without a license? Do you feel the maximum fine and jail time are sufficient punishment?
  • What licenses does your company maintain in order to operate legally in your state or municipality? What advice would you offer to new green industry service providers who want to work legally but don't know how to obtain the correct licenses?
  • Are unlicensed contractors a problem in your area? How do you educate your clients on your company's legality and the dangers of choosing a unlicensed service provider?

Sangato Mahei Telai and his partner Kolosia Taliauli were invited to discuss their $6,800 bid for concrete work at the RT bidding office in Sacramento on Tuesday. When they arrived, they were met by CSLB's Special Investigation Unit (SIU), CSLB's Statewide Investigative Fraud Team (SWIFT) and Regional Transit Police and were arrested. Telai was on probation at the time and had an outstanding warrant for contracting without a license. RT police transported the pair to Sacramento County jail where they were booked for "fraudulent use of a license number." The newest felony charges can mean an additional fine of up to $10,000 and one year in jail.

Telai was arrested in March for allegedly ripping off a number of Sacramento area homeowners, including an elderly Elk Grove couple while contracting without a license. He was re-arrested while out on bail working in a nearby neighborhood. Telai is an unlicensed landscape contractor with addresses in Stockton and East Palo Alto.

California law says that all contractors who perform work that totals $500 or more (labor and materials) must be licensed by CSLB. Check with your state to ensure that you and your business comply with licensure laws.

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