Area Man Accused Of Forging

Deceased Father’s Plumbing License

HARTFORD — A case investigated by the Danbury Police Department Detective Bureau in conjunction with the Department of Consumer Protection, Occupational Licensing and Enforcement unit has led to an arrest of Raymond Erhardt III of Bethel, on charges of forgery and identity theft, Consumer Protection Commissioner Jerry Farrell, Jr, said this week.

Erhardt, doing business as Air Crafters, LLC since 1996, allegedly had renewed his deceased father’s plumbing and heating license since his father’s passing in 1990 and used them to operate his business as a properly licensed company.

“Occupational licensing laws are in place to ensure that any constructed space that people will occupy, whether it be their home, office, or a commercial space, is built competently, correctly, and in accordance with state and local laws,” Commissioner Farrell said. “An unlicensed contractor puts public health and safety in jeopardy.”

 “We thank the Danbury Police Department for their support on this case, and we will continue to search out and pursue noncompliant contractors,” he added.

The State of Connecticut licensing process ensures that applicants seeking a license have the requisite educational and vocational training, undertake an extensive licensing exam to ensure competency, and complete periodic continuing education related to building and other construction codes. State law mandates that contractors be properly licensed to complete the scope of work as required by their trade.

Erhardt is charged with forgery in the second degree in violation of Connecticut General Statutes Section 53a-139 and identity theft in the third degree in violation of Section 53a-129d. He is scheduled to appear Tuesday, October 6, at Danbury Superior Court.