Ramona Property Manager Charged with Wire Fraud

RAMONA, CA – A Ramona property manager and his company were charged Monday with four counts of wire fraud in connection with a scheme to defraud a homeowners association of $247,000.

Robert Walsh, 37, allegedly made false claims that his firm, Cornerstone Management Professionals Inc., could properly submit bids to the homeowners group for construction projects and concealed lower bids to make it appear that he was the low bidder.

The indictment seeks forfeiture of $247,000 from the defendants and alleges that in March 2015 they sent an email seeking a change order from the HOA to cover the cost of asbestos removal.

According to prosecutors, the defendants then sent an email to the contractor working on the project, falsely stating that there was no asbestos present in order to get the contractor to conclude the demolition project without involving an asbestos abatement firm so the defendants could retain the entire value of the change order.

“The public health dangers of asbestos exposure are well known,” said Jay Green, special agent in charge of the EPA's criminal enforcement program in California. “Materials containing asbestos must be handled safely and legally.”

Walsh's next court date, a hearing for arraignment and status of counsel for the corporate defendant, is scheduled for Dec. 22.

— By City News Service. Image via Shutterstock.