District Attorney Hochman Warns Fire Victims to Look Out for Unlicensed Contractors

LADA files felony charges against unlicensed contractors illegally operating in Altadena after the Eaton Fire

ALTADENA, Calif. – Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman was joined by Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger to announce felony charges against five unlicensed contractors as a result of an operation conducted by the District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigation and the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB). At the news conference today, District Attorney Hochman urged fire victims to watch out for unlicensed construction contractors preying on victims of the January wildfires in the Pacific Palisades and Altadena disaster zones. Watch the news conference.

“My office is cracking down on criminal contractors who prey on residents who have already lost so much and cannot afford to lose more,” District Attorney Hochman said. “I urge the communities impacted by the wildfires to stay vigilant and report unlicensed contractors who are taking advantage of this disaster and putting your safety and property at risk. This is important: You are still the victim of a crime even if you knowingly hired an unlicensed contractor and should alert authorities.”

District Attorney Hochman also unveiled the launch of a campaign to warn contractors that they will be prosecuted for unlicensed activity in the fire zones, including warning signs distributed in English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, and Armenian in affected neighborhoods.

“Rebuilding after the Eaton Fire is hard enough, and no survivor should also have to fear being exploited by unlicensed or unscrupulous contractors,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger. “I wholeheartedly appreciate District Attorney Hochman for his steadfast leadership in protecting our communities and sending a clear message that this criminal behavior will not be tolerated. As Altadena recovers, we will continue working together to safeguard residents’ safety and peace of mind.”

On Dec. 4, the Consumer Protection Division filed felony charges against five unlicensed contractors illegally operating in Altadena as residents rebuild their homes after the Eaton Fire.

It is a felony to contract without a license in connection with structures damaged or destroyed by a natural disaster for which a state of emergency is proclaimed by the Governor. Each defendant was charged with one felony count of contracting without a license during a natural disaster. The crime carries penalties of up to three years imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $10,000.

It is alleged that the offenses occurred in the aftermath of the Los Angeles County wildfires, a catastrophic event that destroyed more than 12,000 homes and structures and displaced tens of thousands of residents. The defendants’ conduct was directed at, and had the likelihood to harm, victims made particularly vulnerable by the impact of the wildfires.

• Andrew Escarzaga (dob 8/13/98) and Daniel Escarzaga (dob 3/20/97), both of Chino. Case 25PDCF00866. The defendants allegedly contracted without a license in the Eaton Fire disaster zone on Oct. 8. Arraignment for both defendants is set for Jan. 8, 2026, in Department D of the Pasadena Courthouse.
• Edgar Geovanni Lopez Revolorio (dob 1/26/83) of Arleta. Case 25PDCF00864. Revolorio allegedly contracted without a license in the Eaton Fire disaster zone on Oct. 8. He pleaded not guilty at his arraignment on Dec. 10. He was released on his own recognizance. Prosecutors requested and the Court ordered the following conditions: Do not contract, or act in the capacity of a contractor, for any work that requires a contractor’s license without being properly licensed through CSLB; Do not advertise for construction services without a contractor’s license. His preliminary hearing setting is scheduled for Feb. 2, 2026, in Department D of the Pasadena Courthouse.

• Guillermo Ramirez (dob 6/25/71) of Pomona. Case 25PDCF00863. Ramirez allegedly contracted without a license in the Eaton Fire disaster zone on Oct. 8. In addition to the felony count of contracting without a license during a natural disaster, it is alleged that Ramirez had two prior felony convictions including a strike prior. He faces a maximum sentence of six years in state prison. Ramirez pleaded not guilty at his arraignment today. He was released on his own recognizance. Prosecutors requested and the Court ordered the following conditions: Do not contract, or act in the capacity of a contractor, for any work that requires a contractor’s license without being properly licensed through CSLB; Do not advertise for construction services without a contractor’s license. His preliminary hearing setting is scheduled for Feb. 2, 2026, in Department D of the Pasadena Courthouse.
• Melvin Hairon Mejia Ordonez (dob 7/25/84) of Los Angeles. Case 25PDCF00865. Ordonez allegedly contracted without a license in the Eaton Fire disaster zone on Oct. 9. He pleaded not guilty at his arraignment today. He was released on his own recognizance. Prosecutors requested and the Court ordered the following conditions: Do not contract, or act in the capacity of a contractor, for any work that requires a contractor’s license without being properly licensed through CSLB; Do not advertise for construction services without a contractor’s license. His preliminary hearing setting is scheduled for Feb. 2, 2026, in Department D of the Pasadena Courthouse.

The cases are being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Alice Kurs and remain under investigation by CSLB.

Protect Yourself During Fire-Related Rebuilding and Repairs

The signs presented by District Attorney Hochman are available on LADA’s website for public use and contain information on how victims can report unlicensed contractors to CSLB. Community members and licensed contractors are encouraged to put up the signs in accordance with local laws.

California Contractors State License Board Registrar David Fogt added: “CSLB is committed to its consumer protection mission as wildfire survivors recover and rebuild. Combatting unscrupulous contractors, protecting the public and empowering survivors with resources as they navigate the process. We encourage consumers to visit CSLB’s Disaster Help Center as their resource to verify a license or to file a complaint.”

Conduct a License Look Up Before You Construct

Protect your home, your finances, and your community by hiring only licensed contractors.

Licensed contractors are required to:

• Provide their CSLB license number.
• Follow insurance and bonding requirements.
• Obtain all required permits and follow safety regulations.

Always verify your contractor’s license before hiring.

Visit www.cslb.ca.gov to stay safe:

• Check a contractor’s license.
• Find a licensed contractor.
• Report unlicensed contractors.
• File a complaint.

The charges filed in these cases are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.