From Chelsea Phua:
Authorities have arrested a Lodi man for allegedly defrauding nine San Joaquin and Sacramento county residents of at least $60,000 by posing as a licensed contractor.
Robert Lance Weaver (left photo), 38, whose contractor's license was suspended November 2007, is accused of taking money since January 2008 for landscaping projects that he never returned to do, investigators from the Contractors State License Board said. One incident happened in May 2007, said Heather Francis, a CSLB investigator. Among his victims are an 81-year-old man and a 72-year-old woman, she said.
"He would sign contracts, take the deposit and money for materials," Francis said. She said investigators believe he may have bilked more than nine people. Authorities encouraged anyone who has contracted with Weaver or has information about him to contact CSLB at (916) 255-4602 or send a fax to (916) 255-1959.
CSLB investigators and Lodi police officers arrested Weaver at his Lockeford residence Tuesday. He faces nine counts of grand theft, nine counts of contracting without a license and two counts of elder abuse, Francis said.
Weaver is already serving a five-year probation for July 2008 forgery conviction and is also facing felony animal cruelty charges after about 20 dogs and a steer on his property died from dehydration and neglect. Authorities rescued another seven dogs that were suffering from dehydration and malnutrition.
According to authorities, Weaver was a licensed contractor who operated Central Valley Backyards in Linden. His license was suspended last November because he did not have a contractors bond. The projects he promised his victims included patio covers and screened sun rooms.
Authorities caution consumers to be vigilant in checking their contractors' license status.
"Just because they give you a license number doesn't mean that license is in good standing," CSLB Registrar Steve Sands said.
Authorities advice consumers to ask for the contractor's plastic pocket license and photo identification, then go online at www.cslb.ca.gov or call the CSLB's automated phone system at 1-800-321-CSLB to verify the status of the license.
Here's a list of other tips from CSLB authorities:
• Don't rush into decisions and don't hire the first contractor who comes along.
• Be especially hesitant when approached by someone offering home improvement services door-to-door, especially when they will use material they claim is left over from another job.
• Get three references for each contractor and three bids.
• Make sure the contract for work to be done is in writing and that you understand all terms before you sign it.
• Never pay more than 10% or $1,000, whichever is less, as a down payment.
• Don't pay in cash, and don't let the payments get ahead of the work.
• Contact the CSLB if you have a complaint against a contractor.
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