August 31, 2012

A case of alleged fraud over the installation of a fence in Moorpark has landed a Thousand Oaks man in Ventura County jail with a bail of $100,000. As reported by The Ventura County Star, Moorpark Police arrested the 35-year-old man after he agreed to install a fence and accepted payment, but never returned for the work.

The man was hired by two neighbors, and paid with checks made out to him personally, to install a fence between their yards after he allegedly misrepresented himself as a contractor and owner of a fence business. After not returning to install the fence for two weeks, the neighbors contacted deputies, who investigated the matter and eventually arrested the man for theft by false pretenses.

Authorities claim that the man is actually a subcontractor with no authority to represent the company, make bids on projects, and accept payments. The man allegedly misrepresented himself to at least seven people over the course of the week beginning August 20, with him bidding on various projects but not actually doing any work. Investigators have also stated that the man was wanted on the East Coast for similar activity.

Fraud can occur in many different forms, but under California Penal Code Section 484 the act revolves around misrepresentation of oneself in order to be paid or gain access to some form of funds for illegal and personal gain. This qualifies as theft and can be punished according to the value of what was illegally taken.

Moorpark fraud defense attorney Daniel E. Kann and the entire legal team at The Law Offices of Daniel E. Kann understand the severe penalties that come with a conviction of such a crime and the harsh impact a criminal record can have on one's career. For more information on how we may be able to apply our years of experience to your case, contact our offices at (805) 290-4932.