SANTA ANA, Calif. (AP) - A Southern California man who admitted posing as a fire inspector to con businesses out of cash has been sentenced to six months in jail.
Brian Lee Carsten pleaded guilty last week to misdemeanor charges including impersonating fire personnel.
Authorities say Carsten told the owners of businesses that he was a fire marshal there to do an inspection. He then told the owners they had violated fire codes and provided an invoice, which they paid.
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Prosecutors say Carsten focused on immigrant-owned businesses where owners did not speak English.
The Orange County Register reported Monday (https://bit.ly/2wDIUwa ) that the 37-year-old must serve three years’ probation and pay back the money he took from the businesses.
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