The Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB) says a man was convicted in Washoe County of Contracting Without a License following an investigation by the board.
NSCB says that on October 17, 2016, the Washoe District Court convicted Austin Joseph Hayden on a gross misdemeanor charge of Contracting Without a License. Hayden, a 33-year-old, received a one-year jail sentence, which was suspended in lieu of 14 days to be served and probation of up to three years. Hayden will be required to pay more than $47,500 in restitution to the victims and reimburse the Board for its investigative costs.
The Contractors Board says they conducted two investigations based on complaints by homeowners. Hayden had been previously investigated by the Board in 2008 after submitting a bid for painting and landscaping services to undercover NSCB investigators.
“The Board appreciates the Washoe County District Attorney’s office for convicting Mr. Hayden of crimes that have continually placed the public’s safety at risk and ordering restitution to the victim involved,” said NSCB Executive Officer Margi Grein. “It is becoming ever more important for homeowners to give consideration to whom they are hiring; ensuring they are licensed by the Board affords homeowners our full investigative and remedial levels of protection."
NSCB says Hayden is prohibited from engaging in any construction-related services while on probation for the next three years.
If anyone has information that Hayden or any other unlicensed contractor is advertising or soliciting such services is encouraged to contact the NSCB Unlicensed Contractor Hotline: (702) 486-1160 or (775) 850-7838. If available, include the unlicensed contractor’s name, business address, project location, phone number and vehicle make, model, color and license plate number. When contracting for home repair and maintenance projects, always verify the contractor’s license number on NSCB’s website at www.nscb.nv.gov
The Nevada State Contractors Board contributed to this story
