Fraud / Impersonating a City of Temecula Official
March 22, 2023
Reporting Deputy: Sergeant Frank A. Tiburzio
File # SW230790029
On March 20, 2023, about 10:15 am, deputies from the Riverside Sheriff’s Southwest Station responded to a residence located in the 30700 block of San Pasqual Road, Temecula, reference Garret K. Hodson, who claimed to be a draftsman, and a second suspect, who claimed to be a City of Temecula building inspector, located at the residence. The homeowner of the residence hired 56-year-old Hodson, a resident of Temecula, to create building plans for a barn to be constructed on his property. Hodson also operates under the business name of “Group Design”. Hodson was also paid to obtain the building permits from the City of Temecula. The homeowner built the barn with the belief Hodson submitted his building plans to the City of Temecula and obtained the proper permits. The investigation revealed Hodson never submitted any plans to the city, nor did he obtain the proper building permits.
On March 20, 2023, about 3:00 pm, Hodson and his accomplice, who was impersonating a City of Temecula building inspector, arrived at the San Pasqual residence to perform the final inspection of the barn. Unbeknown to the suspects, official City of Temecula building inspectors were already at the location and confirmed the building plans Hodson was in possession of, and all related documents, were illegitimate. The second suspect who was impersonating the building inspector fled the scene prior to the deputy’s arrival. It is believed Hodson’s motive was to pocket the costs for the building permits in lieu of paying the city. Hodson was arrested without incident for Theft by False Pretenses and booked into the Cois Byrd Detention Center.
This investigation continues and we are working to identify all suspects involved. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office believes there may be additional victims within the Temecula Valley and is seeking the public’s assistance. Anyone with information related to fraud involving Hodson is encouraged to contact Sergeant Frank Tiburzio of the Southwest Station (951) 696–3043.
A list of all building and fire permits applied for and issued by the City of Temecula since 2014 will be made available to the public at the following website.
Building permits ensure that construction projects meet the minimum standards for safety. Homeowners and businesses can protect themselves by checking for proper professional licenses at the following links:
California Contractors State License Board
Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists
Additionally, the California State License Board has a site dedicated to supporting consumers, including tips for hiring contractors, contract and binding agreement recommendations, and other important considerations for any construction project visit cslb.ca.org to learn more.
If you reside in the unincorporated areas of Riverside County, you can contact the Riverside County Building and Safety Department for assistance at the following link: http://rctlma.org/building/
For media inquiries regarding this incident please contact the Media Information Bureau.
