56°F
weather icon Clear

Warrant issued for contractor operating without license

A bench warrant has been issued for Pahrump resident Deanna Tovar for missing a court date related to contracting work without a license.

Tovar is facing felony charges of engaging in business or submitting bid without contractor’s license, third offense, and obtaining money under false pretenses from older person in two separate cases.

According to a complaint filed by the district attorney’s office, Tovar “willfully and unlawfully engage in the business or act in the capacity of a contractor within this state or submit a bid on a job situated within this state, without having an active contractor’s license.”

According to the charge, Tovar “entered into a written agreement with Claire Toomey to do landscaping installation and/or fencing installation and/or build a shed and/or construct an awning and/or perform electrical work for $62,670.”

Tovar has a 2013 conviction for operating without a license, and she pled guilty in September in another case.

The district attorney’s office and the state Contractor’s Board declined comment citing the ongoing investigation and court case.

Toomey, who is 74, said she had a variety of work scheduled on her property by Tovar, and is working with the district attorney’s office as well as the Nevada State Contractors Board in an effort to recoup some of her money. She said tried to maintain the property by herself after her husband passed away but it became too much and although her grandson would often travel to Pahrump to help, he has not been able to continue because of work commitments.

Toomey explained that she got Tovar’s information from the owner of Bedrock Landscape, Brent Wilson, who has Tovar’s contact information on Bedrock’s business card.

“So I contacted Deanna and she gave me a starting price of $5,000 with half up front,” Toomey said.

Toomey subsequently wrote a check to Bedrock Landscape for $5,670 which was endorsed by Tovar, not Bedrock Landscape.

“Unfortunately, after over two months, I didn’t hear from her,” Toomey said. “The next time I heard from her was August 9, 2013 and when she called me she began asking for more money for materials. This time she wanted $2,000.”

When Toomey demanded that Tovar finish the work she had started, Tovar quit showing up and ceased any further communication, according to Toomey. When Toomey refused to pay any more money, Tovar threatened to put a lien on her property.

Vining explained that Toomey returned to Bedrock Landscape to talk with Wilson about the whereabouts of Tovar and Wilson said that he had “No knowledge of anything to do with this.”

Toomey showed an entire folder of documents with Tovar’s name and signature on each one showing the intended work to be done. However, the victim explained that when she requested receipts for proof of the cost of materials, Tovar told her that because she buys in bulk she could not provide any receipts.

Toomey’s homeowners’ insurance would not cover any claims concerning any areas of the property that Tovar had constructed because the work was not up to state code. Toomey explained that Tovar would use her kids to get sympathy from Toomey in order to get more money however, when Toomey began to get suspicious, Tovar ceased all communication.

One of Toomey’s neighbors, Glenda Magnuson, said that Tovar was supposed to fix her driveway during the summer.

“She charged me $5,000 to fix my driveway and the work is still not done,” Magnuson explained.

When the Nevada State Contractors Board was reached for comment about this case Tanja Wasielewski, Criminal Investigator, Nevada State Contractors Board, responded via email stating, “Unfortunately, this case is still under investigation. To get any further on the specific details of the case, you will need to talk to the D.A.’s office.”

After filing charges against Tovar, the victim explained that Tovar contacted her and “begged me not to press charges against her. But, I have had enough,” Toomey said. “She took my money and now I’ve got nothing to show for it. Currently, I’ve got a number of bids with various businesses to help me figure out how much more money I would need to get this place up to code and this is now coming out of my own pocket.”

After all the work is done, Toomey will still have to have her property re-inspected for insurance purposes.

When contacted for this story, Wilson said, “I know Deanna. She’s a regular customer of mine. She buys a lot of rock from me.” Wilson refused to comment further.

A second victim listed on the criminal complaint lists paying $9,066 for work that included installing an irrigation system and/or sod and/or flagstone.

Tovar declined to comment until the case is resolved.

“When I get my chance, I will contact you for my side of the story.”

Contact reporter Michelle Hermann by emailing michelle.pvtimes@gmail.com.

Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook.
THE LATEST
Looking for some family fun for Easter? Hop over to Simkins Park

Anyone looking for a fun, family-friendly festivity to enjoy this holiday can hop on over to Simkins Park to join the Mills family as they celebrate Easter Sunday with worship music, free food and an enormous 14,000-egg hunt that is sure to bring a smile to hundreds of faces.

Campground fees to increase at Death Valley National Park

DEATH VALLEY, Calif. — Visitors to Death Valley National Park can expect a slight increase in entrance fees for various campgrounds beginning on May 1.

Clerk staffer Cori Freidhof appointed interim leader

Nye County Clerk Mark Kampf’s time in office officially comes to a close on March 31 and deputy clerk Cori Freidhof has now been selected to assume that vacated seat. Freidhof will take over the office as of Monday, April 1 and fulfill the unexpired term ending Jan. 1, 2027.

Gaming can have impact on us

When does gaming cross the line from recreational relaxation to problematic behavior? How do video games and gambling relate? What resources are available for those who find themselves struggling to control their relationship with video games and gambling?

County eyeing impact fee increases

The cost to develop in Pahrump could go up, with a public hearing on a proposal to raise local impact fees set for next month.

Here’s who filed as political candidates in Nye County

Locals have filed their political candidacy as of March 15 and this year two major offices in Nye County will be up for grabs in the general election. Nye County residents have to first narrow down their preferred party candidate on June 11 in the primary and then vote in November to support their preferred candidates.

Second Source donation for Sleep in Heavenly Peace

Nye County Sleep in Heavenly Peace is now better off thanks to a second donation from The Source dispensary’s Round Up program.

Beatty riled by sheriff’s substation closure

Lone staffer will be relocated to Pahrump to help with workload there; be onsite in Beatty just once a month.

Sales tax question headed to the ballot

Road conditions in the Pahrump Valley are a sore point for many drivers as well as a source of frustration for the crews dedicated to maintaining them but with only so many road dollars to go around, it can be hard to keep pace with the demand.