Unlicensed Contractor Convicted Of Bilking Contra Costa Customers

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — A Contra Costa County jury found a Modesto man guilty Feb. 8 of multiple felonies and misdemeanors related to unlicensed contracting, fraud, theft, and failing to obtain workers’ compensation insurance.

The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office filed an initial complaint against Adan Contreras Rivas, 42, in March 2022 following an investigation into his actions that led to his eventual arrest.

After his release on his own recognizance, Rivas was arrested again in November 2022 on suspicion of posing as a licensed contractor in the landscaping and construction industry and stealing thousands of dollars from unsuspecting consumers.

A Walnut Creek resident in June reported allegations against Rivas that he posed as a licensed contractor in the landscaping and paver industry and took thousands of dollars from unsuspecting consumers, according to the DA's Office.

Many of his suspected victims fit a particular profile: often elderly and residing in affluent neighborhoods in Walnut Creek and Concord, DA's Office Spokesperson Ted Asregadoo said.

Prior to his offenses in Contra Costa County, Rivas served time in California state prison for several related felony and misdemeanor convictions for grand theft, theft from an elder, and contracting without a license in Santa Clara County.

“The defendant defrauded numerous victims out of thousands of dollars,” said Deputy District Attorney Natasha Mehta, who prosecuted the case. “Justice was achieved for those harmed by Rivas in this case, and the jury’s conviction will help to protect consumers in the future.”

Rivas remains behind bars at the Contra Costa County jail in Martinez. He is set to be sentenced March 8 in Martinez and faces up to nine years and eight months in prison.

“My office is protecting consumers in the county by partnering with multiple government agencies like the Contractors State License Board and the California Department of Insurance,” Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton said. “This partnership has been effective in conducting undercover sting operations, as well as, investigating unlicensed contractors who fail to obtain workers’ compensation insurance.”

According to the DA’s Office, unlicensed contractors pose a threat to consumers by failing to acquire skills and licensure when hired to perform home improvement or construction projects. Some unlicensed contractors illegally require excessive down payments for construction or landscaping projects, and frequently fail to begin or complete projects once they receive money. Consumers are often unaware unlicensed contractors have not completed background checks and usually do not carry workers’ compensation insurance for their employees – which increases liability risks to consumers.