Six Unlicensed Contractors Cited In Northern Nevada Stings

Timothy Casey was advertising on Craigslist his jack-of-all-trades handyman experience that included the installation and repair of carpeting, painting, drywall repairs, plumbing, electrical, etc. During an undercover sting in the Reno area, Casey's partner, Robert Morris, showed up and recognized the NSCB investigator. Morris, a former licensed contractor whose business, Sierra Roofing Systems, LLC, had its license suspended in 2009 for no bond, was previously cited for contracting without a license.

Casey attempted to withdraw his bid, but it was too late. He was cited for advertising without a license.

David Overly, dba Quality Home Renovations "Where Your Home is in My Hands," turned to a local bulletin board to advertise his services of plumbing, electrical, decks and patios, painting and much more. Overly submitted a $970 painting bid to a NSCB investigator and was immediately issued a criminal citation for advertising without a license. The polite unlicensed contractor thanked the NSCB investigator for the information he gave him.

Todd Byrns, Jason Levash, John Marsh and Timothy Lacey all turned to Craigslist to advertise their handyman services that ranged from carpentry, to plumbing, electrical, heating and air conditioning services, drywall installation, framing, roofing and the installation of cabinetry and flooring. All these trades require a contractor's license. Byrns, Marsh and Lacey were issued criminal citations for contracting without a license. Levash was issued a criminal citation for advertising without a license. All four unlicensed contractors submitted bids to an undercover NSCB investigator. 

“Consumers should not be taken in by promises of cheap work performed by unlicensed contractors," said state Contractors Board executive officer Margi Grein. “Unlicensed contractors can cost consumers thousands of dollars. They carry no insurance, are not bonded and have not met any standards of the trade they may be performing.  Enforcement stings conducted by the NSCB are helping to rid our neighborhoods of these unscrupulous people.”

Contracting without a license in Nevada is a misdemeanor for the first offense, a gross misdemeanor for the second offense and a Class E felony for the third offense. Homeowners who use unlicensed contractors are not eligible for the Residential Recovery Fund, and by law their contracts are null and void.