FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2020
CONTACT:
Breanna Bang, Public Information Liaison
Unlicensed Tucson Handyman Guilty of Contracting Without a License
PHOENIX, Ariz., (October 14, 2020) –On Tues., October 6, 2020, Zak Brown, 54 of Phoenix, pleaded guilty to Contracting Without a License, a Class 1 Misdemeanor in the Pima Consolidated Justice Court.
The charge stems from an Arizona Registrar of Contractors (AZ ROC) investigation that found in April 2019 Brown contracted to build closets, an entertainment center and install shelves in a Tucson home for $5,775. Brown was paid $3,000 and started the project, but eventually stopped showing up and left the work incomplete. After Brown failed to return on multiple agreed upon dates to complete the job, the homeowner filed a complaint with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors.
Problem is, Brown has never been a licensed contractor in Arizona.
As a part of the plea agreement, the Pima Consolidated Justice Court ordered Brown to pay $2,000 in restitution to the homeowner and $1,020 in fines and fees.
AZ ROC frequently receives complaints regarding unlicensed entities exploiting property owners ranging from poor work to complete abandonment. If the entire cost of the project, including labor and materials is over $1,000, or requires a permit by the local municipality, Arizona law requires the person or business performing the work to be licensed.
AZ ROC reminds property owners to ask contractors of their license status and to check the license using the contractor search at www.roc.az.gov or giving the Agency a call at 1-877-692-9762.
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