DA: Contractor Arrested for Theft Failed to Carry Comp

Wednesday, June 27, 2018 | 0

Kern County prosecutors say a California contractor arrested on burglary and theft charges was also cited for failure to carry workers’ compensation insurance.

Lamberto Montano, who also used the alias Albert Montano Lopez, was arrested Friday after an investigation revealed that he was allegedly soliciting contracting business without having a proper license.

The District Attorney’s Office said in a statement that victims and witnesses report Montano held himself out to be a licensed contractor at times, but also said he was the owner of a granite and cabinet store, and that he was just a handyman.

Montano requested down payments upfront to cover the cost of materials. But prosecutors said he either started jobs and quit before they were completed, or never started jobs at all.

On some occasions, Montano used workers for some jobs, but he didn’t carry workers' comp coverage.