LOS ANGELES (KABC) — The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office says it has now filed criminal charges against 17 people accused of contracting without a license in wildfire burn zones, including one man previously reported on by 7 On Your Side Investigates.

According to the district attorney’s office, 11 of the accused individuals were allegedly working in the Eaton Fire zone, and six were allegedly working in the Palisades Fire zone.

One of those charged is Erik Uribe. Prosecutors have charged Uribe with two counts of grand theft and two counts of contracting without a license during a natural disaster.

Last year, 7 On Your Side reported that two sets of Altadena homeowners sued Uribe. Those homeowners allege in their suit that “Uribe failed to disclose that he was not licensed to complete the project legally.”

Uribe later filed a cross-complaint, alleging he is owed thousands of dollars for unpaid work. The civil case remains pending.

The criminal charges come as the district attorney’s office continues to investigate allegations involving unlicensed contractors operating in fire-affected communities.

When asked about the case against Uribe, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman called it “very serious.”

“A case can land you certainly in jail or in prison, it can lead to huge fines, it could lead to a felony conviction,” Hochman said. “And the reason is, it’s very simple, that people who are in this most vulnerable state where they’ve lost their homes or their homes have been severely damaged, they’re looking for people who can be reputable. And often the people who are going to try and take advantage of them swarm into these areas because it’s a target rich environment.”

Uribe has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

In a statement, attorney Michael Simmrin, who represents Uribe, said: “Mr. Uribe denies that he defrauded these homeowners and intends to vigorously defend himself in court. There is a substantial factual record concerning the services that were performed, the contractual relationships among the parties, and the ongoing civil disputes that is not captured by the allegations being made against him.”

Hochman also reminded consumers to verify a contractor’s license through the California Contractors State License Board before hiring someone for repair or reconstruction work.

To check a license, click here.

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