Friday, December 12, 2025

Altadena Fire Victims Warned of Unlicensed Contractors; Felony Charges Filed

[UPDATED] Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman announced felony charges against five unlicensed contractors accused of illegally operating in Altadena following the Eaton Fire, warning residents to remain vigilant as they rebuild.

Hochman, joined by Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, said at a news conference that unlicensed contractors have been preying on victims of the January wildfires in Altadena and the Pacific Palisades. 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,” 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.”

The Consumer Protection Division filed felony charges Dec. 4 against five defendants accused of contracting without a license in the Eaton Fire disaster zone. Under California law, 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. The crime carries penalties of up to three years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000.

Defendants Charged

• Andrew Escarzaga, 27, and Daniel Escarzaga, 28, both of Chino — Case 25PDCF00866. Allegedly contracted without a license in Altadena on Oct. 8. Arraignment set for Jan. 8, 2026, in Department D of the Pasadena Courthouse.
• Edgar Geovanni Lopez Revolorio, 42, of Arleta — Case 25PDCF00864. Allegedly contracted without a license in Altadena on Oct. 8. Pleaded not guilty Dec. 10 and 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. Preliminary hearing setting scheduled for Feb. 2, 2026, in Department D of the Pasadena Courthouse.
• Guillermo Ramirez, 54, of Pomona — Case 25PDCF00863. Allegedly contracted without a license in Altadena 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 and 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. Preliminary hearing setting scheduled for Feb. 2, 2026, in Department D of the Pasadena Courthouse.
• Melvin Hairon Mejia Ordonez, 41, of Los Angeles — Case 25PDCF00865. Allegedly contracted without a license in Altadena on Oct. 9. Pleaded not guilty and 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. Preliminary hearing setting 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 the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB).

Community Warnings

Hochman also announced a campaign to warn contractors that unlicensed activity in fire zones will be prosecuted. Warning signs in English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, and Armenian are being distributed in affected neighborhoods. The signs presented by Hochman are available on LADA’s website for public use, and community members and licensed contractors are encouraged to put them up in accordance with local laws.

Supervisor Barger praised Hochman’s efforts, saying, “Rebuilding after the Eaton Fire is hard enough, and no survivor should also have to fear being exploited by unlicensed or unscrupulous contractors. 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.”

Consumer Protection Resources

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.”

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.