BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — The Kern County District Attorney's Office was involved in an undercover investigation into unlicensed home contractors that resulted in 16 suspects, with one being a registered sex offender.

In a joint operation with the Contractors State License Board, the alleged unlicensed contractors were cited during a December 10th and 11th undercover sting operation in Bakersfield. Officials said they also discovered that one of the suspects is a registered sex offender who was working as an alleged unlicensed contractor.

In a news release from the district attorney, officials reminded residents that all applicants for a state-issued contractor license must submit fingerprints and undergo a criminal background check before CSLB will issue a license.

“Consumers need to be careful about who they allow into their home,” said CSLB Registrar David Fogt. “Some try to work without a license because they know they won’t pass our criminal background check.”

The suspects could face a misdemeanor charge of contracting without a license. Officials said first-conviction penalties include up to six months in jail and/or up to $5,000 in fines.

Below is the full release from the Kern County District Attorney's Office and the listed suspects.