King City Roofing Contractor Ordered to Pay over $159,000 in Restitution for Insurance Fraud

Salinas, California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on Friday, January 31 that 38-year-old Hector Hernandez of King City and owner of Hernandez Roofing, was sentenced by Judge Pamela Butler to 5 years of felony probation for insurance fraud and state tax evasion. As a term of probation, Hernandez was ordered to pay $159,059.03 in restitution to his workers’ compensation insurance carrier, State Compensation Insurance Fund.
Between 2013 and 2016, Hernandez secured a workers’ compensation insurance policy for his business through the State Compensation Insurance Fund (“SCIF”). In order to pay lower insurance premiums, he denied having any employees. The District Attorney’s Office opened an investigation in February 2016, obtaining building permits showing that Hernandez handled about 96 roofing jobs in a 4 year period. Interviews of workers and homeowners revealed that he used at least 3 employees for these jobs. Hernandez attempted to conceal the employees and wages by paying cash. Investigators calculated Hernandez defrauded SCIF of $159,059.00 in premiums.
The District Attorney filed felony charges on January 23, 2018. The charges included intentionally misrepresenting his payroll to SCIF to obtain a reduced premium – a violation of Insurance Code Section 11880(a). Hernandez was also charged with payroll tax violations of the Unemployment Insurance Code. Hernandez pled guilty to 3 felonies on August 23, 2019.
The case was investigated by Monterey County Workers’ Compensation Fraud Unit Investigators Martin Sanchez and George Costa.
Under California law, business owners and the public need to be aware that all employers are required to secure workers’ compensation insurance for their employees so that there is adequate medical coverage and other benefits for any work-related injury that may occur. Additionally, employers are required to register their business with the EDD and report their payroll on a quarterly basis. Failing to file payroll tax returns with intent to evade tax has a maximum penalty of three years and up to a $20,000 fine. Persons having information about suspected workers’ compensation fraud are encouraged to contact the District Attorney’s Office at (831) 755-3224.

Comments

Lake San Antonio Closed Due to Large Scale Fish Die Off; Number of Fish Impacted is Increasing and Reason for Die Off Remains Unknown

July 9, 2024- Out of abundance of caution for public health, County of Monterey Parks is closing the Lake San Antonio facility due to a large-scale fish die off from an unknown cause. On July 5, 2024, Parks staff noticed that dead baitfish, mostly shad, began washing up on the shore around Lake San Antonio and immediately contacted California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) to report the situation. At that time, the CDFW fisheries biologist stated the fish die off was most likely due to the high temperatures and low dissolved oxygen level in the water and that the situation most likely did not present a risk to the public. Parks staff also contacted the Water Resources Agency (WRA), State Water Resources Control Board and Environmental Health Bureau. Unfortunately, the fish die off has continued with larger species such as bass, catfish, crappie, carp, and trout being impacted. Attached photos include a 3–4-pound bass. CDFW, WRA and EHB are working together to try to determi

Suspect Vehicle in King City Quadruple Homicide on March 3 Has Been Located

The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, on behalf of the King City Police Department is informing the community that the suspect vehicle involved in a quadruple homicide that occurred Sunday, March 3 on the 200 block of North Second Street in King City, has been located and recovered. The vehicle was located in an unincorporated area of South Monterey County. The King City Police Department is receiving assistance from multiple local and federal law enforcement partners in this investigation. Based on the nature of this investigation, no further details regarding the recovery of this vehicle are being released at this time. The Monterey County Sheriff's Office and the King City PD are asking the community for their assistance in reporting any information they may know regarding this incident which tragically left 4 people dead and 7 people injured, two with critical injuries. Information can be provided by contacting the following: King City Detective Sergeant Josh Partida 831-3

Attempted Homicide Shooting Incident in King City on September 29

The King City Police Department received a report of gunshots heard in the area of the 600 block of Sycamore Street at around 1 am on Sunday, September 29. While enroute, the King City PD was advised that 2 victims were transported to Mee Memorial Hospital by private vehicle to be treated for gunshot wounds. Upon arrival, officers were told that a single unknown suspect opened the gate to a fenced yard and fired 10 rounds into a crowd attending a party. 2 individuals were struck by the gunfire, after-which the suspect fled on foot. The suspect was described as wearing a dark colored hoodie and pants. The 2 victims are a 16-year-old juvenile male who was shot 3 times and an 18-year-old male who was shot 1 time. Both victims were transported to Natividad Hospital from Mee Memorial and are currently listed in stable condition. Detectives from the King City Police Department are currently working the investigation with assistance from the Greenfield Police Department Crime Scene Unit

KRKC COUNTRY

Search This Blog