Violations include diversion of construction funds, taking excessive down payments, contracting without a license and failing to carry workers’ compensation insurance.
MARTINEZ, Calif. – Contra Costa District Attorney Mark A. Peterson announced today the filing of 34 criminal charges against landscape contractor, Adan Rivas. Mr. Rivas is alleged to have defrauded 11 local families. A $139,000 arrest warrant has been issued for his arrest.
Mr. Rivas is said to have approached multiple families and solicited work for landscape and tree removal services. After agreements were made for the scope of the work to be performed, he would take an excessive down payment. He would then abandon the jobs and fail to return the owners’ money.
The District Attorney’s office is trying to put a stop to this crime spree. District Attorney Mark Peterson commented, “These families are looking to hire someone to help them; instead, they are getting nothing but messed up yards and depleted bank accounts.”
Senior Inspector Al Cofer of the District Attorney’s Office Consumer Fraud Unit conducted the investigation. Most of the crimes occurred in the cities of Danville, San Ramon, Alamo, Lafayette, Orinda, and Walnut Creek. It is believed that there are additional unreported victims. People who have recently dealt with Adan Rivas are encouraged to contact Investigator Al Cofer at the District Attorney’s office at [email protected].
This case is being handled by Deputy District Attorney William Murphy (925) 957-8786
