CALPASC And Construction Contractors Encouraged By Charges Against Pool Company

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Feb. 5, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Construction contractors across the state welcomed the February 1 announcement by the Riverside County District Attorney's Office on bringing criminal charges against Michael Gregory Silverberg, general manager and owner of Palm Desert-based United States Pools Corporation for multiple counts of fraud and other charges. According to the release, Silverberg was charged with defrauding California's Insurance Fund, the State Board of Equalization and two insurance companies and committing white-collar crimes. If convicted, Silverberg faces up to 16 years in prison. A felony settlement conference is scheduled for February 26.

Mike Geremia, President, Geremia Pools, Inc. and Chairman of the Board of the California Spa and Pool Education Council (SPEC), issued the following statement:

"This is a great step in the right direction by the district attorney's office and other state agencies to coordinate efforts. We expect this is just the tip of the iceberg and hope the district attorney and state enforcement agencies will continue cracking down on corrupt contractors who compete unfairly."

John Norwood, President and General Counsel for SPEC, issued the following statement:

"Contractors like this have been getting away with dodging the law for a long time while forcing legitimate contractors to go out of business. It's great to see these crooks captured!"

Kent Westfall, former plaster and remodeling Palm Desert contractor, after more than 30 years in operation and no longer in business, issued the following statements:

"We appreciate the district attorney's office and other state agencies taking this seriously. Too many unscrupulous contractors from all trades in the Palm Desert region, as well as statewide, continue to evade the law and put legitimate contractors at risk.

"My company was directly affected by deceitful contractors.  

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