July 2, 2026: Six Unlicensed Contractors Charged With Illegally Operating in Palisades Fire Disaster Zone

PACIFIC PALISADES, Calif. - The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office is continuing its wildfire recovery enforcement with charges against six unlicensed contractors accused of illegally operating in the Palisades Fire disaster zone following a joint operation with the District Attorney's Bureau of Investigation and California's Contractors State License Board (CSLB). In December 2025, the Office announced charges against five unlicensed contractors who were allegedly illegally operating in the Eaton Fire disaster zone following a previous joint operation with CSLB in Altadena.

"As residents in Pacific Palisades and Altadena rebuild from the catastrophic wildfires in January 2025, we have a message for criminal contractors: Stay out of Los Angeles County," District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said. "Hiring an unlicensed contractor is never a good deal, leaving you at risk of illegal down payments, fraud, unsafe construction and an inability to sell your home down the line. This is also an issue of labor justice, as unlicensed contracting is often accompanied by labor exploitation such as wage theft, unpaid labor and unsafe working conditions. I thank the Contractors State License Board for their partnership in holding unlicensed contractors accountable and supporting a safe and lawful wildfire recovery in Los Angeles County."

"The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) remains firmly committed to its consumer protection mission," said CSLB Registrar David Fogt. "Following a wildfire, survivors have important protections under California law when hiring a contractor, including limits on the amount they can be asked to pay upfront and extended cancellation rights. CSLB's Disaster Help Center offers additional guidance and resources to help survivors navigate the rebuilding process safely."

On June 26, the Office filed one felony count each of contracting without a license during a natural disaster against the following defendants:

• Luis Perez Silva (dob 6/5/81), case 26ARCF01263.
• Jecil Cruz-Herrera (dob 8/4/92), case 26ARCF01264.
• Luis Mateo Perez Lopez (dob 9/21/98), case 26ARCF01271.
• Antonio Herman Perez (dob 4/10/82), case 26ARCF01272.
• Santiago Ismael Mejia Urena (dob 4/3/82), case 26ARCF01273.
• Raymond Joshua Castorena (dob 10/19/92), case 26ARCF01274.

It is alleged that the offenses occurred in the aftermath of the Los Angeles County wildfires, a catastrophic event that destroyed more than 16,000 homes and structures and displaced tens of thousands of residents. It is also alleged that the defendants' conduct was directed at, and had the likelihood to harm, victims made particularly vulnerable by the impact of the wildfires.

On April 15 to 16, 2026, investigators with CSLB's Statewide Investigative Fraud Team reviewed online advertisements from contractors offering construction services without displaying a contractor license number. Investigators made individual appointments with the contractors at a Pacific Palisades residence to bid on building an accessory dwelling unit and demolition. The defendants were allegedly not licensed under their name or business name, nor did they have an application with CSLB pending. The defendants collectively placed bids totaling up to $1.27 million.

Five of the defendants face up to three years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000. Castorena faces up to six years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000 because of a prior strike offense.

Perez Lopez, Mejia Urena and Castorena pleaded not guilty at arraignment on June 26. Their preliminary hearing setting is scheduled for Aug. 5 in Department 31 of the Airport Courthouse. The defendants remain released on their own recognizance.

Arraignment for Cruz-Herrera, Silva and Perez is set for July 8 in Department 30 of the Airport Courthouse.

The cases are being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Eva Jabber Stodel of the Consumer Protection Division and remain under investigation by the Contractors State License Board and the District Attorney's Bureau of Investigation.

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

Public Awareness Campaign

Last year, the Office launched an ongoing public awareness campaign to warn contractors that they will be prosecuted for unlicensed activity in the fire zones. In partnership with the Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs, signs were distributed in English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean and Armenian to affected neighborhoods. The signs 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.

How Homeowners Can Protect Themselves

Hiring an unlicensed contractor leaves homeowners at risk of fraud, liability for injuries or damage, code violations and unsafe construction. Protect your home, your finances and your community by hiring only licensed contractors who are required to follow insurance and bonding requirements, obtain all required permits and follow safety regulations.

Conduct a License Look Up Before You Construct

Licensed contractors must provide their CSLB license number. 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>a complaint.

The Office encourages homeowners to report unlicensed contractors even if construction work has already begun. Under the law, the homeowner is a victim in the criminal case, even if they knew or suspected the contractor wasn't licensed.