District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced today that on February 7, 2018, investigators from the California Department of Insurance (CDI), Contractors State License Board (CLSB), and Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Bureau of Investigation (BOI) conducted a joint operation at cleanup and repair sites within the Thomas Fire disaster area to ensure compliance with California law.

Investigators contacted 55 business entities operating at 44 fire disaster sites. Most companies contacted were operating properly. However, five companies were ordered to stop working as a result of violations of contractor laws or workers’ compensation insurance laws. Investigations into these violations are ongoing and additional compliance sweeps are anticipated.

“We are pleased that most of our businesses are operating responsibly in helping residents to recover from the Thomas Fire. For those few who are not, we will take appropriate action to hold them accountable and to ensure future compliance,” said Totten.

Contracting without a license in a disaster area is a felony crime. Workers’ compensation insurance laws apply to all contractors, regardless of whether they are properly licensed. Anyone with information about violations of contractor laws or workers’ compensation insurance laws should contact the Contractors State License Board (800-962-1125), California Department of Insurance (800-927-4357), or the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Bureau of Investigation (805-662-1750).

The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office is the public prosecutor for the county’s 850,000 residents. The office employs approximately 280 employees including attorneys, investigators, victim advocates, and other professional support staff who strive to seek justice, ensure public safety, and protect the rights of crime victims.