A paroled felon who allegedly victimized several minority-owned small businesses in the Los Angeles County area by posing as a Cal/OSHA inspector, was recently arrested in a joint Cal/OSHA sting operation conducted by the Los Angeles County District Attorney''s Major Crimes Unit.
The suspect, Mark Dwyane Jackson, threatened to impose severe monetary fines and penalties for non-existent safety violations unless the owner agreed to a cash settlement.
In return, Jackson promised not to issue citations against them.
Jackson presented false OSHA identification cards bearing the name of one of the inspectors with the Cal/OSHA Anaheim High Hazard Unit.
Jackson was apprehended after a business owner agreed to be wired and pass marked money to the suspect.
The suspect was arrested at the scene of the owner''s business.
After a search warrant was obtained, investigation of Jackson''s home and vehicle turned up evidence of OSHA paraphernalia and false OSHA identification cards bearing a colored photograph of the suspect and the name of a Cal/OSHA inspector.
Also discovered were names and addresses of other potential business victims.
The suspect will be charged with impersonating a state officer.
"We hope business owners take heed of this case in Los Angeles to avoid a similar experience," said John Howard, Cal/OSHA chief. "Impersonation of a Cal/OSHA inspector undermines the real work of Cal/OSHA which is to protect workplace safety and health."
by Virginia Sutcliffe