FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Terrie Prosper, 415.703.1366, news@cpuc.ca.gov
STING OPERATIONS CONDUCTED
BY PUC AND LOCAL ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITIES
NAB UNLICENSED PASSENGER CARRIERS
SAN FRANCISCO, May 22, 2006 -- The California Public Utilities Commission (PUC) announced today that it has participated with the local enforcement authorities in two separate sting operations to catch unlicensed passenger carriers operating in the Hollywood area and the San Ysidro border crossing.
Hollywood area, April 27, 2006 - Commission staff, with the assistance of the Los Angeles Police Department, Hollywood Branch, and the Los Angeles City Attorney's Office, conducted a sting operation to catch two illegal sightseeing tour operators operating in the Hollywood area. Hollywood Land Tour owned by Asatur Akopvich (Alex) Kosoyan, and Hollywood Fantasy Tours, owned by Michael P. Kellerman, continued to illegally operate in spite of many cease and desist letters issued by PUC staff. Staff will submit its investigation to the Los Angeles City Attorney's Office and request that a criminal complaint be filed against these two operators.
San Ysidro Border Crossing, April 7, 2006 - After many unsuccessful attempts to get the illegal transportation operators known as "wildcatters" to get permitted and obey Commission rules and regulations, PUC staff joined forces with the San Diego City Attorney's Neighborhood Prosecution Unit, the San Diego Police Department, and investigators from the City Attorney's and Environmental Protection Unit in a sting operation. Three transportation carriers, LA Mex Tours LLC, LA Mex Tours Inc., and Cal Mex Tours were cited and prevented from continuing to unlawfully transport passengers. These carriers were charged with providing and advertising for-hire transportation of passengers without the required certificate of public convenience and necessity issued by the PUC. Arraignment was held on May 11, 2006, in which Jose Casarez of LA Mex Tours LLC pled not guilty. Casarez could face a maximum of six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000 for each of the two misdemeanor counts. Court date is set for May 25, 2006. The other two carriers are due in court at a later date.
More information on the PUC, please visit www.cpuc.ca.gov.
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