Eight cited during contracting sting

Eight people were cited last week for allegedly contracting without a license during an undercover sting at a vacant hardware store in Glendale, officials said.

Posing as property owners, members of the Statewide Investigative Fraud Team obtained bids from the men for floor covering, concrete work and interior and exterior painting, according to the California State License Board.

The contractors were Luis Dominguez of Winnetka, Jose Medina of Pico Rivera, Semisi Moala of Montclair, Juan Manuel Ortega Sanchez of Fontana, Enrique Felix-Salinas of Alhambra, Jose Miguel Giraldo of Palmdale, Jose Antonio Giraldo Zelada of Palmdale and Abel Contreras of Granada Hills.

Giraldo Zelada and his son Giraldo tried to flee from the area, but instead were arrested, according to the board. Giraldo Zelada had an outstanding warrant in connection with a similar sting in 2007.

The father and son were held in another contracting sting last June in Lancaster, officials said.

Seven of the eight contractors were also cited for alleged illegal advertising, which is a misdemeanor charge. Contractors are required under law to show their license number in all advertisements.

Five contractors were also discovered from ads posted on Craigslist.

The contractors were given notices to appear in January in Los Angeles County Superior Court for charges stemming from an improper license, officials said.

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-- Veronica Rocha, Times Community News

Follow Veronica on Google+ and on Twitter: @VeronicaRochaLA.