- Home
- News Grid
- Local News
- Green Hawk
- Politics
- School Zone
- Youth Camps
- Nonprofits
- Missing Pets
- Multimedia
- Arts
- Movies
- Outdoors
- Sports
- News Releases
- Columnists
- Blogs
- Opinions
- Classifieds
- Advertise
- Donate
- Partners
Suspect Arrested in Landscaping Scam
GOLETA — Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department detectives have arrested a man suspected of ripping off more than a dozen people who hired him to do landscaping work.
Gilbert Lee Martinez, 40, is suspected of contacting potential tree-trimming clients, quoting a price, taking money upfront and then leaving without ever performing any work.
In the past few months, the sheriff’s department has received several complaints from victims, many of whom are elderly, who had paid as much as $2,000.
On Thursday, authorities in Arcadia detained Martinez for trying to cash a forged check. They discovered a warrant for him in Santa Barbara County.
Sheriff’s detectives traveled to Arcadia, took Martinez into custody and booked him into the Santa Barbara County Jail.
Martinez has been linked at least 14 cases in Santa Barbara County alone. Police believe he has stolen at least $50,000. No money was recovered during his arrest.
He faces charges of fraud, grand theft and fiduciary elder abuse. He is 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 in North Santa Barbara County.
Residents who were a victim of Martinez, or know someone who was, are asked to call Detective Charles Cooley at 805.934.6176.
— Drew Sugars is a public information officer for the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department.
Comments
Noozhawk's comments are moderated, but by posting here you accept your responsibility to follow our rules.
- No abusive, defamatory or libelous attacks. In plain English: No personal attacks.
- No vulgar or discriminatory language.
- If you do not follow these rules, don't be surprised if your comment is removed.
- Please use the Report Abuse button on offensive comments.
- Share what you know, ask about what you don't. Give us your eyewitness accounts, observations, background and history. Tell us what else you want to know about the story.
- Stay on the topic, PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK, and forgive people their spelling errors.
Noozhawk's intent is not to limit the discussion of our stories but to elevate it. Thank you for your respectful participation. Click here for our complete Terms of Use.
Comments are moderated, and will not appear until they've been approved.
More Local News »
Capps Supports Health-Care Reform Legislation
The congresswoman releases a statement on the landmark bill
Two UCSB Students Arrested on Drug Charges
An investigation leads to the seizure of ecstasy and mushrooms
Gray, Armendariz Speak Out Against Oil-Tax Legislation
They say AB 1604, proposed by Pedro Nava, would threaten jobs on the Central and South coasts
Woodie Club Funds Automotive Tech Scholarship at SBCC
Santa Barbara club members will bring their vintage cars to campus Thursday to present a check for $1,000
Westmont Observatory Open for Public Viewing
Gaze at stars, planets and more for free on Friday
Weather: Fog/Mist 51.0º
Search Noozhawk »
