Imposter Posed As Labor Investigator Issuing Citations: Feuer

Los Angeles CA

06 January, 2022

10:13 PM

Description

LOS ANGELES, CA — A woman is facing charges for posing as a labor investigator and issuing citations to business owners across the city according to the Los Angeles City Attorney's office. City Attorney Mike Feuer announced charges Thursday against Nyesha Monique Elam. According to the city attorney, Elam did not work for the state nor did she have the authorization to issue citations or collect civil penalties for labor code violations. But that didn't stop her from conducting inspections at businesses across the L.A. area, according to Feuer. His office alleges she demanded payment for labor violations and labor informational posters. "Impersonating a state investigator and attempting to collect bogus fines from hardworking and responsible business owners is reprehensible," said Feuer. "Every business owner must be able to trust that when someone reaches out to them on behalf of a local, state or federal office, it is legitimate. It's tough enough to run a business today. We'll do all we can to prevent anyone who owns a business from being taken advantage of." Elam could not immediately be reached to respond to the allegations. The case began in May 2020 after the Labor Commissioner's Criminal Investigation Unit received a report from a business owner. The unit on Thursday warned business owners about misleading notices with demands for payment that come from the companies: Labor Law Poster Service, Labor Law Compliance Service, Labor Compliance Services, LCPSS / LLCS and California Regulations of Labor Laws. The companies are not affiliated with the state and are not authorized to issue civil penalties or charge fees on behalf of California. "Official state investigators will never ask to collect for violations on site or take money in lieu of issuing a citation," said Labor Commissioner Lilia Garcia-Brower. "Individuals who pose as a California labor investigator undermine the trust my staff builds with the public that is needed to do our work." The City Attorney's office said that Elam has already been arraigned but did not enter a plea. She faces a maximum of one and a half years in jail and $12,500 in fines. City New Service and Patch Staffer Paige Austin contributed to this report.