Santa Barbara County Detectives have arrested a man suspected of ripping off more than a dozen people who hired him to do landscaping work. 40 year old Gilbert Martinez is charged with fraud, Grand Theft and Financially abusing the elderly.
Gilbert Martinez Booking Photo - courtesy of SB Sheriff
Martinez is suspected of contacting potential tree trimming clients, quoting a price, taking money up front and then leaving without ever performing any work. Over the past few months the Sheriff has received several complaints from victims, many who are elderly, who have paid as much as $2,000 for work that was never done.
On Thursday, July 9, 2009 authorities in Arcadia, CA detained Martinez for trying to cash a forged check. They discovered a warrant for Martinez in Santa Barbara County. Detectives immediately traveled to Arcadia where they took Martinez into custody and brought him to the Santa Barbara County Jail.
SBSO Detectives have linked Martinez to at least fourteen cases in Santa Barbara County alone. He’s believed to have stolen at least $50,000. No money was recovered during his arrest.
He faces charges of Fraud, Grand Theft, and Fiduciary Elder Abuse. He’s currently in the Santa Barbara County Jail on $50,000 bail. However, he will remain in jail on a no bail warrant in San Luis Obispo County. His arraignment is scheduled for Friday, July 17, 2009 in North Santa Barbara County.
If you or someone you know was a victim of Martinez and have not reported it, you are encouraged to contact SBSO Detective Charles Cooley at 805-934-6176