California construction company accused of defrauding workers and state of $2.6 million
The California Attorney General, Rob Bonta, has filed 31 felony charges of wage theft and tax evasion against a construction company that allegedly cost the state and employees $2.6 million. US Framing West is accused of evading over $2.5 million in state payroll taxes and underpaying workers on a public housing project in Cathedral City. Two company officials, Thomas Gregory English and Amelia Frazier Krebs, could face penalties including fines and imprisonment if found guilty.
The company is accused of violating prevailing wage laws in California and failing to report wages to the state’s Employment Development Department. US Framing West allegedly falsified payroll records for workers on a housing project for veterans, opening in 2022, which offers 60 housing units and services for veterans. The charges claim that the company stole wages from 19 workers in Riverside County in 2021 and 2022.
Observers speculate that Bonta may be using this high-profile labor case to bolster his candidacy for governor, as he is expected to announce soon. Wage theft is a pervasive issue in California, with workers losing billions each year. The state is cracking down on such violations, with this case highlighting the consequences of defrauding employees and the government.
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Photo credit calmatters.org
