California authorities have charged two men with a 12-year scam in which the pair allegedly posed as licensed professionals and drew up engineering and architectural plans for homes, apartments, commercial properties, and strip malls.
Using stolen software, Wilfrido Rodriguez and Ruben Gutierrez allegedly provided bogus plans for hundreds of buildings in at least 56 Southern California cities beginning in 2003. Because neither of the men had the training, expertise, or credentials to vouch for the safety of the building plans, these structures may have to be demolished.
Authorities said the scope of this case is unprecedented, and at this stage they can’t be sure that the buildings are safe for occupancy. Law enforcement officials are working with the state Board of Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists to determine the scope and risk posed by the alleged fraud.
Rodriguez and Gutierrez had previously worked for the Palos Verdes Engineering Company before initiating the alleged scam.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Feb 12, 2015
New Appraisal Institute form aids in analysis of green commercial building features
The Institute’s Commercial Green and Energy Efficient Addendum offers a communication tool that lenders can use as part of the scope of work.
Codes and Standards | Feb 8, 2015
ASHRAE, IAQA approve consolidation
Under the consolidation, IAQA will become a part of the ASHRAE organization while maintaining its own brand and Board of Directors.
Codes and Standards | Feb 6, 2015
Obama executive order requires federal construction projects to consider flood damage caused by climate change
To meet the new standard, builders must build two feet above the currently projected elevation for 100-year floods for most projects.
HVAC | Feb 6, 2015
ASHRAE, REHVA publish guide to chilled beam systems
The guide provides tools and advice for designing, commissioning, and operating chilled-beam systems.
Codes and Standards | Feb 2, 2015
AGC working with EPA on website to help with environmental rule compliance
The goal is for the site to be improved to make it easier for construction contractors to learn how to comply with federal and state environmental guidelines.
| Feb 2, 2015
New York law requires informing firefighters of wood truss construction
New York enacted a law that could make firefighting a bit safer by mandating property owners inform government and first-responders when they build or rehabilitate a building using "truss-type" pre-engineered wood or timber.
| Jan 14, 2015
Ontario code changes boost accessibility for people with disabilities
The new amended Ontario building code includes several provisions that improve accessibility for those with disabilities.
| Jan 14, 2015
American Concrete Institute releases Spanish edition of structural concrete code
New York City last year adopted the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) recommendation to require additional exit stairways in high-rise buildings.
| Jan 14, 2015
Terrorism Risk Insurance Act renewed
President Barack Obama signed the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act law on Jan. 12.
| Jan 9, 2015
Academy of Art in San Francisco under fire for code violations
The fast-growing Academy of Art is under intense scrutiny by the City of San Francisco for code violations.
