Ridge, MD – In July 2015, investigators from the Maryland State Police-Criminal Enforcement Division, Central South Region, obtained information involving criminal allegations of Bernard M. Wathen, 41, of Ridge, MD, representing himself as a plumber and/or contractor.
The ensuing investigation determined Wathen represented himself as a plumber to a senior citizen in the Ridge area of St. Mary’s County. He collected a partial payment for plumbing work and failed to return to complete the work. A check with the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation revealed Wathen was not licensed in Maryland as a plumber or contractor.
In November 2015, charges were applied for and an arrest warrant was received charging Wathen with one count of acting as a contractor without a license and one count of theft under $1,000.
On November 22, 2015, Wathen responded to the Leonardtown Barrack and was served with an arrest warrant for the above charges. Wathen was transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center pending a hearing with the District Court commissioner.
Each year, unlicensed home improvement contractors defraud Maryland homeowners of millionsof dollars by cheating and stealing. Don’t be an unlicensed contractor’s next victim! Ask to see every contractor’s Maryland home improvement contractor license, issued by the Maryland Home Improvement Commission. Then check to make sure their MHIC license is current.
Citizens may check with the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation by calling 1-888-218-5925 or visiting their website at www.dllr.state.md.us.
Anyone having information relating to this crime or any other crime is urged to contact Detective Sergeant Jeffery S. Jones of the Maryland State Police-Criminal Enforcement Division at 410-535-1400, “TIPS” Line at (toll free) 1-888-210-1450, (local) 410-257-4925 or through email at msp.centralsouth@maryland.gov.
