Contractor Pleads No Contest to 7 Counts

A North Hollywood contractor pleaded no contest in San Fernando Municipal Court Tuesday to seven felony counts for taking money for residential remodeling projects that were not completed.

Edith Aristizabal, 43, who owned Applied Construction Co., did not pay her workers, who walked off the projects before they were finished, said Deputy Dist. Atty. Robert S. Nishinaka.

Seven families who gave Aristizabal combined deposits of more than $32,000 last fall were left with unfinished remodeling and home-repair jobs, Nishinaka said. One Sun Valley family was left with sewer lines exposed in its den. Many of the families face claims from workers who are demanding payment.

Aristizabal, who lives in Arleta, was arrested on May 5 after a disgruntled former employee named her on a Spanish-language television program about unpaid workers. One of Aristizabal’s clients saw the program, realized the worker was referring to her contractor and called the state contracting board, Nishinaka said.

Nishinaka said Applied Construction Co. was having financial difficulties, but Aristizabal continued to accept new contracts.

Under a plea bargain, Aristizabal will be sentenced to two years in state prison. She could have received a maximum sentence of six years.