New Mexico Security Blog by Robb Hamic

Don't forget about the Board Meeting!

The New Mexico Private Investigations Advisory Board will hold a Regular Board Meeting on October 2, 2008 at 10:00 am. The meeting will be held at the Toney Anaya Building, 2550 Cerrillos Road, 2nd floor, Rio Grande Conference Room, Santa Fe, NM.

The last time I checked, the Board had one vacancy after Butch Cassidy's resignation and the temporary appointment of Mark Smith, who didn't have the qualfications to serve on the PI Board.

Update on a few of New Mexico's worst security guards..

I wanted to give an updated as to the employees of the security industry that I have blogged about. Where are they and what are they doing now?

- Stuart Smith- (roving criminal)- he is working at the Circle K at Eubank and Candelaria NE. He was fired from another company for carrying a gun on duty with no authorization. He tells sources that he is going to start a security company. Great. Here we go again. I'm going to go get a big gulp and tell him that working illegally in security is a bad idea.

- Frank Maldonado- (felon who wanted a guard card) Bobby Rodriguez of Legit Security told me that he worked at Final Notice Investigation under George Walker. Rodriguez stated that Maldonaado was supervising Final Notice's security division. He also stated that Maldonado is a part owner in this firm.

- Gil Baca- still working at Legit and not in jail. Still impersonating people on the phone...

- Manny Sierra (Legit VP)- is rumored to be back at Legit, working.

- Joe Stidham- (Legit President)- still at Legit and working as Chief of Bosque Farms PD, although he isn't there much and may have abused his authority by allowing a bad person to wear a badge and do the work of a cop... BCSO Sheriff Darren White revoked "Chief Stidham's" Sheriff's Commission and all of BFPD's officers commissions in a vote of "no confidence."

- Steve Patterson- still running United Security.

- Derrek DeJesus (Mesa Detection Manger convicted of drug possession and newly arrested for Domestic Violence)- still working and licensed.

- Filberto Baca- still licensed and qualifying party of AART, Albuquerque's Armed response Team.

- "Bruno" (Avalanche Security Supervisor at Allsups)- was fired for bring a vicious dog to his security post.

- Yvette Pohl- (old owner of Five O Security) She went away and is still collecting a large child support payment despite making a larger income than her ex-spouse.

- Allen Johnson (flies the bird!) is still working in security with a "professional attitude."

- "2 Batons" (US Security Officer cuaght on tape) is still working at 7-11 and carrying 2 batons!

- Charles Adam Benns (Felon owner of Solid Steel Security) is still the owner and raking in tons of money, illegally.

- George Davis- his trial date is October 2 in Metro Court- make sure to show up in non-support of him.

- Michael Angelo Sanchez (Felon on probation) still works security.

There is a PI Board meeting October 2 and the complaint committee convenes to discuss all pending complaints including my 11 from last week. I have submitted supporting evidence, videos, audio and photos. Others have also submitted complaints.

I racked up a nice new death threat from "darkcanyon505" who reports to be an employee of Mesa Detection working security at the @ 25 Shopping Center on Jefferson and !-25. I assume that he was the driver of this car (CLICK FOR LINK). He makes a lot of threats of violence and he doesn't think that it is right for a person to film security guards (from public places) working. The investigation against this bonehead will continue despite his feeble threat. You will laugh when I show you this guy's picture.

This will be a big week for new evidence, documentation and big stories. I am working a ton of in-depth leads and surveillance directed at Albuquerque's worst security guards and companies.

Taser certification class for security guards in Albuquerque Thursday October 2. Come get certified!

Summit Security & Investigation is offering a Certified Taser Operator course on Thursday October 2, 2008 form 9 A.M.- 5 P.M.

This class will meet the state requirement for a Taser "add on" to a Level 2 or Level 3 certification. Students will learn the effects of a Taser Device on a human, safe operation, handling and deployment of a Taser Device in Law Enforcement/Security careers or civilian usage.

This certification class with be taught by a Taser International certified Law Enforcement Instructor and graduates will receive accreditation from Taser International and a certificate of completion that can be provided to the state of New Mexico for the "add on rating." Students will actually fire Tasers in class and learn why Taser is a viable option to security personnel.

Classes will be held at the Summit Security Training academy located at 2825 E Broadbent Pkwy. NE. 505-255-60633

Cost of this Certification is $100 for Summit Security Employees and $125 for other security personnel. Summit Employees will have the cost of training deducted from pay. Space is limited to 25 students and RSVP and advance payment is required to attend. Credit cards accepted.

RSVP by e-mailing me as soon as possible.

***Employees of Legit, Elyte, United, Mesa, American, Advance, Advantage, Casados, Avalanche Security or On-stie Protection are not invited to this or any other training provided by this organization. Employment must be verified prior to the class by Summit Security staff***

It's the...classify an employee an "independent contractor" scam... courtesy of Mesa Detection in Albuquerque.

It has come to my attention that Mesa Detection, like some other security companies, classified their employees as independent contractors. The informant said that he made a complaint to the NM Private Investigator's Board and then Mesa Detection reacted by "employing" the people who were already employees. I like to call this one the "independent contractor" scam. Why would a company do this? There are many reason and almost all involve money.

A company can sava a substantial amount of money on it's company matches for employment taxes, it can save money for worker's compensation insurance because it isn't required for independent contractors and it wouldn't license independent contractors witht he state. It is a very simple minded scam and there is a long history of people/companies trying to do this same thing.

The IRS puts out the following information on how to determine the status of an employee:

To stay out of hot water with the IRS, be sure the workers you classify as independent contractors meet the IRS definition of an independent contractor. The IRS has a 20-point text its auditors use to determine the proper classification. Here's a list of the some of the major points:

Who has control? A worker is an employee if the person for whom he works has the right to direct and control him concerning when and where to do the work. The employer need not actually exercise control; it is sufficient that he has the right to do so.

Right to fire. An employee can be fired by an employer. An independent contractor cannot be fired so long as he or she produces a result that meets the specifications of the contract.

Training. An employee may be trained to perform services in a particular manner. However, independent contractors ordinarily use their own methods and receive no training from the employer.

Set hours of work. Workers for whom you set specific hours of work are more likely to be employees. Independent contractors, on the other hand, usually establish their own work hours.

Report IRS Tax Fraud! (click for link)

Mesa Detection is no stranger to employee pay discrepancies. Click this LINK to view an earlier post that I worte concerning Mesa Detection being fined over $100,000 by the US Department of Labor for wage violations.

All security guards must be employees of the security company. There is no allowance in the law for independent contractors! See below for New Mexico Laws:

“private patrol company” means a legal business entity, the location of which may be within or
outside of the state, including an independent or proprietary commercial organization that provides private patrol operator services that are performed in New Mexico and the activities of which include employment of licensed private patrol operators or security guards;

FF. “security guard” means an individual who is registered to engage in uniformed or nonuniformed
services under the direct control and supervision of a licensed private patrol operator or a private patrol operations manager to perform such security missions as watchman, fixed post guard, dog handler, patrolman or other person to protect property or prevent thefts.

On or after July 1, 2007, every individual seeking employment or employed as a level one security
guard shall file an application for registration with the department.

Report "independent contractor" Fraud to the NM Private Investigator Board! (click link)

The New Mexico Worker's Compensation Administration has something to say about this issue in New mexico State Law:

52-1-2. Employers who come within act.
The state and each county, municipality, school district, drainage, irrigation or conservancy district, public institution and administrative board thereof employing workers, every charitable organization employing workers and every private person, firm or corporation engaged in carrying on for the purpose of business or trade within this state, and which employs three or more workers, except as provided in Section 52-1-6 NMSA 1978, shall become liable to and shall pay to any such worker injured by accident arising out of and in the course of his employment and, in case of his death being occasioned thereby, to such person as may be authorized by the director or appointed by a court to receive the same for the benefit of his dependents, compensation in the manner and amount at the times required in the Workers' Compensation Act [Chapter 52,Article 1 NMSA 1978].

Report Fraud! (click link)

New Mexico Security Guards need to stop getting scammed. There are plenty of companies that operate illegally or don't follow all of the proper regulations. Guards should really consider this prior to continuing employment with such firms. Don't be stupid!

What would happen if you were injured on the job and your company had no insurance to cover the injury?

What would happen if you were inspected by law enforcement for your license, didn't have it, and were taken to jail?

What happens when it is time to pay taxes and you haven't withheld anything out of your checks to pay the IRS? What about retirement? The company is supposed to pay money into IRS taxes that guarantee Social Security, Medicare and Unemployment Insurance.

Security Consumers and Clients need to stop being scammed! The client,building owner or property owner will become liable if its security company didn't do things the right way and obtain the proper insurance, etc. Property owners need to verify information such as:

- Guard License, training certificate and criminal background check, employment status, usage of personally owned vehicle on client property

- Company insurance (verify with agent), policy for hiring independent contractors, company state licenses

- Litigation history, reputation and a "Google" search!

Gil Baca tires to con another person... Legit Security on the New Mexico Security Blog.

A former employee, Chris Stanley, of Legit Security was contacted from cell phone number 505-688-2233. The man that called said he was an attorney with a law office and needed his address. He asked if Stanley was working for another company. Stanley told him that he was unemployed. The man hung up. Stanley had previously been told by Legit employees that he was going to get sued because of the web site he created about legit....(click to view)

I asked him what number the "attorney" used when contacting him. Call me a Detective but Gil Baca has plead guilty to Felony Fraud and lawsuits are filed alleging thefts of hundreds of thousands.... Stanley gave me the number that was on his caller ID and it was 505-688-2233 (Gil Baca's or G3's personal cell phone number)! Unfortunately, Stanley had been deceived by Gil Baca's "disguise.". I didn't initially remember this number so I had one of my investigators call it and a man that said his name was "Craig Jones" answered it. I guess he though the investigator was a debt collector... I did some research and discovered that it was Gil Baca's phone number but don't take my word for it... Click the links below to see for yourself...

Legit Security's own web site

Old Blog post by me on June 23, 2008

So Gil Baca is still up to his old tricks until he goes to jail... The Albuquerque Security Industry continues to go the wrong way... Enough is enough. Why is this company still operating in Albuquerque and Santa Fe? Continue to check the updates on Chris Stanley's web site (click for link).

The above pictures are not of Gil Baca.

More proof that Legit Security is cheating its employees... Albuquerque Security

Click this LINK to see the proof. It is all there in black and white. I sure hope that law enforcement or RLD does something quickly about these guys before more innocent employees get ripped off!

Employees that feel that they are owed unpaid wages should go to the New Mexico Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division at 501 Mountain Rd. NE and file a claim.

New Mexico Security Blog awareness month... Mailings start this week.

Click here for a look at the front page of the newest post cards set to be mailed starting this week!Download blogcard_frontpage.pdf I have been getting many e-mails from security consumers that wished they knew what their unlicensed or illegal security company was up to prior to letting them do security for them or their property.

I kept hearing "I wish I would've known about your blog sooner."

I decided to start a mailing campaign to the majority of security consumers in Albuquerque this week. It will continue for sometime...

I have the support of the licensed security community but those unlicensed or illegal security companies are not as supportive. Oh well.

Albuquerque security guard injured after carjacking...

An Albuquerque security guard was seriously injured when a carjacker stole a vehicle and crashed it into this golf cart. The suspect, Richard Lopez, was arrested and faces felony charges that will probably result in probation in New Mexico's Courts....

This is an example of how dangerous a security officer's job is and why they need training. What would happen if something like this happened while a security guard was driving his personally owned vehicle on patrol at a client's property? Would the damage be covered? What if an innocent bystander was killed? The insurance agent that I spoke to told me there would be no insurance coverage for such an occurrence.

Albuquerque Security consumers beware!

Mesa Detection continues to provide untrained guards with no licenses in personally owned vehicles... Albuquerque Security Guard

Quality security in Albuquerque? We have video of a personally owned vehicle on patrol at the @25 Center in Albuquerque. Apparently, Mesa Detection thinks its OK to just have their guards "slap a security magnet" on their car (sometimes a Kojack light too) and go out on patrol. We learned that the guard's insurance would not cover accidents (click link to see prior investigation) or other occurrences while the guard was on "patrol" in his personally owned vehicle. I guess that the client doesn't care if there is no insurance.

Training is a serious concern. The law says that a Level 1 security guard must undergo 8 hours of basic security training, under an approved curriculum and be state licensed and certified. Officers who want to be Level 2 guards and or carry handcuffs, OC Spray and expandable batons have to undergo another 16 hours plus individual weapons certification. Look at portion of the text that is contained on Mesa Detection's web site:

"the officer then undergoes in-house training relating to certain aspects of the law and how it relates to security officers, our performance requirements, and specific post duties. When a Mesa security officer reports for duty, we then know they are the right type of person, experienced, well trained, properly uniformed and equipped to provide total protection for your employees, tenants and property. "

Our investigator spoke to a Mesa Detection employee who was providing "vehicle patrols" at the shopping center located at San Pedro/ Montgomery NE in Albuquerque. He stated that he had no guard license and was driving his own personal vehicle with a "security magnet" that Mesa Detection gave him. He states that Mesa Detection's management is well aware of this situation, as they should be... (audio to come later)

Then there is the issue of criminal background checks... My previous investigation revealed numerous criminals that work or have worked for Mesa Detection in Albuquerque. This is what there web site says in regards to background checks:

"Prior to offering employment to an individual we conduct an in-house background check to insure there are not problems that would arise later in their employment. We then perform a rather extensive interview process.."

We have now spoken to a number of Mesa Detection employees and they seem to contradict the statements on the website. Unfortunately, it seems that reality is quite different than advertising..

A former employee of Legit Security launches a website that reveals "secrets." Albuquerque security

I found a new web site launched and published by a former employee of Legit Security. This web site is highly revealing and seems to update many current events. If you are following the Legit Security "saga" you might want to bookmark it.

(Click below to view)

http://www.freewebs.com/christopherstanl/index.htm

Some positive news from RLD!

They kept one illegally operating company from doing business in New Mexico. Steve Herrera sent an e-mail to Armacorp Security Inc. in reference to my complaint about their Craigslist.org ad for employees. This is their response:

From: Bishop Sixx
Sent: Thursday, September 18, 2008 12:58 PM

Subject: Re: Armacorp Security, Inc. Now Testing Candidates (Albuquerque/Rio Rancho Area)

Armacorp Security, Inc. is not currently licensed, and as such will be terminating the applicable contracts and testing dates for employees, or putting contracts and employee hiring/testing dates on hold until we obtain our license. I will also be removing the internet posted ads within 24 hours of sending you this e-mail. The misunderstanding was entirely my personal fault and not that of Armacorp Security, Inc. I was mistaken in assuming we were licensed throughout the United States. Again, we will not be operating under illegal conditions and all contracts and employment services will be terminated or put on hold until we obtain our license in New Mexico.

My apologies for the situation,

Michael Bishop
Human Resources
Armacorp Security, Inc.

I expressed interest in a job and sent them an e-mail. This is the response I got...

To Mr. Robb Hamic,

My most humble apologies, but due to licensing discrepancies all application processes have been put on hold. Again, I apologize for this situation and hope you will consider applying with us again when this situation is resolved.

Regards,

Michael Bishop
Human Resources

I hope this man holds true to his word and doesn't practice illegally in New Mexico. It is always possible to apply for a license if he and his company meets the criteria for licensure.

Illegal Albuquerque/Rio Rancho security companies use www.craigslist.org to defraud New Mexico!

Craigslist.org is a very popular web site that advertises free listings including employment opportunities. Apparently, at least two unlicensed/illegal companies have used this site to offer unlicensed and illegal employment in New Mexico.

Armacorp Security, Inc and Madison Security are advertising jobs without being licensed as security companies. Check out the ads.

(Link to Craigslist.org jobs-security)

Now check the new state license verification system to see if the "facility or company" has a license.

(Link to NM State license verification)

I have notified Steve Herrera, Board Administrator of the NM Private Investigator's Board but he probably won't do anything. He thanked me for the information and said he will look into it. I wonder what that means?

I guess the word is out on New Mexico being a haven for illegal and unlicensed security activity. Maybe the unlicensed and illegal security companies have a blog where they advertised New Mexico as a prime location to do business...

Legit Security Updates. Albuquerque Security

I spoke to several of Legit Security's current or former employees yesterday afternoon. Here are the updates as told to me by these guards:

.
- 2 guards got "voided" checks and weren't paid
- 2 others weren't paid at all when the checks weren't delivered
- 2 others were only paid for one week of wages
- Legit didn't pay any employees who were terminated or resigned
- Gil Baca is back in town! He was directing supervision at the Lovelace Gibson hospital yesterday.
- Nathan Cox carries a .40 Caliber handgun on duty as a patrol officer and he has no guard card. (I'm not sure who this guy is but if it the same Nathan Cox from Carlsbad he is bad news with a conviction record//the guy from Los Lunas also has a bad record)
- Legit hired a CEO a few weeks ago. A really squared away former Federal Agent. He quit after 3 days.
- Legit Security is still at the 630 Manzano NE address
- Joe Stidham is still supervising and handling meetings for the company
- Bobby Rodriguez states that he is the president and Gill Baca is not running things (e-mails below)

In another interesting development, I learned that the payroll clerk/bookkeeper for Legit Security quit. She apparently had a lot of reasons to leave. Anyway,

she took possession of Legit's computers that contained some information that she feels will insure that she gets her last paycheck. Ouch! They better get those computers back!

Unpaid employees can go to New mexico Department of Labor at 501 Mountain Rd. NE to make a claim for wages. Any hours worked over 40 in a 7 day period are subject to time and a half overtime pay. I heard that one employee is owed 128 hours. I also heard that Legit Security pays 20 days behind. One employee received pay on August 29 for the pay period of 7-27/8-9. I wonder if that is even legal?

Bobby Rodriguez sent me an e-mail on September 9th and has has been corresponding with me until yesterday. I posted the string of back and forth e-mails below. It reads from bottom to the top and is a complete history. Notice how he says that Gil Baca isn't running things and how he attempts to incriminate a credible security business.

I pray your guards get paid their back wages and they can feed their families. Save the guilt trip for yourself.

Robert Hamic, President

On Sep 17, 2008, at 2:12 PM, Legit Security Inc. wrote:
Well then you are as smart as the below mentioned guard. Our paydays are every/other Wednesday. We have checks for all employees. You know Mr. Hamic I thought you were someone trying to help the industry. Not just on a head hunting expedition. Sorry to bother you. Im trying my best to follow the laws and regulations of God and this state. I pray that you find peace…

God Bless,

Bobby

From: Robert Hamic [mailto:robb@callsummit.com]
Sent: Wednesday, September 17, 2008 12:30 PM
To: Legit Security Inc.
Cc: RLD Herrera Steve; Jeremy Jojola; Peter St. Cyr
Subject: Re: Legit Security

Stop sending me e-mails. You are playing games and you are obviously full of s%#! about paying your guys. Read the e-mail that I just received from one of your former employees that is owed pay. I told him that you said everyone was paid. This is his response...

That's a lie. They haven't paid us yet. They did promise a check today at noon, then one of our guys that works at the hospital too asked when their gonna pay us and they told him at 1630. But, as far as I know, no check has come in. Because I returned to the hospital yesterday to see if Gibson will take us in-house, and we told the owner if we don't get paid and receive a guarantee of getting paid on time every time that we were all going to walk at once.

It looks like it is business as usual at Legit.


Robert Hamic, President


On Sep 17, 2008, at 10:49 AM, Legit Security Inc. wrote:

Mr. Hamic,

All of our employees have been paid in full sir. Mr. Maldonado is the security manager and in charge of patrol for Final notice. I would like to get your ideas on how we could improve our company. If I can be of assistance please let me know. The blog talks about Mr. Baca but he no longer runs this place I do. I would like to talk to you rather than blasting each-other. Your thoughts?

Bobby Rodriguez
President
Legit Security Inc.
Web Site: WWW.LegitSecurity.com

From: Robert Hamic [mailto:robb@callsummit.com]
Sent: Tuesday, September 09, 2008 7:02 PM
To: Legit Security Inc.
Subject: Re: Legit Security

Bobby,

I noticed that Dr. Walker made a plea for Maldonado to get his guard application approved at the last Board meeting. Dr. Walker has a good reputation. How would a scum-bag like Maldonado, who has various convictions for Aggravated Assault DW, HHM, and shooting from a moving vehicle, etc. get to be partners with a former FBI agent? It doesn't make any sense. I'm sure Dr. Walker has the proper licenses to operate.

Your company, on the other hand, has a different kind of reputation and I am afraid that you have a big job ahead of you if you want to change it. A number of your employees are asking me for help getting paid for past wages.

Robert Hamic, President


On Sep 9, 2008, at 7:42 PM, Legit Security Inc. wrote:

Rob,

I would love to talk to you about our company. I have now taken over Legit and want to “clear” the air. I think with your Expertise you could help us. You were looking for Mr. Maldonado, he is part owner in a company called Final Notice Investigations. They are now doing standing guard security.

Thank you Mr. Hammic!

Bobby Rodriguez
President
Legit Security Inc.
4801 Lang NE
Suite 110
Albuquerque, NM 87109
Office: 505.265.5303
Fax: 505.796.9601
E-Mail: bobbyrod71278@yahoo.com
Web Site: WWW.LegitSecurity.com

What is worse than blowing your paycheck at the casino?? Your boss doing it for you!! Legit Security is clowning around again.

"It's Wednesday and still no pay," says a former Legit Security who worked in Albuquerque. "They locked us out of the office on payday" another past employee of Legit said to me by e-mail. Legit Security was featured on the News during September 2-3 for not paying their employees. There is more...

I found a web site created by a former employee of Legit Security in Albuquerque who got stiffed for eight weeks pay. Worse still, he is a Veteran and needed some gas money so he could get to his duty station for active duty. He said that "Chief Hibbens" told him "it's not my problem" when he explained that he needed to get paid. I hear that owners and supervisors always get paid first at Legit and guards pay is often delayed many weeks.

Check out this web site! (click here)

There is a lot of information on this web site but the author states, " Legit Security also hires felons and gives them fire arms and has them patrol their posts. I wish the cops would step in and take them all to jail!" And..."Now if you were to look on their home page Legit Security you'll see a picture of the downtown lovelace (formerly known as St. Joseph Hospital), it is a fairly new picture that they put up. Funny thing is that they lost that contract to Impact Security a long time ago. You'll also see on their page that they do background checks, provide armed security for VIP's, and several other services. But guess what? They don't provide any of that stuff. They don't do background checks on their employees, don't give drug screenings, they don't properly train or even send in the paperwork to get their guards their guard cards for the state. They have armed guards running around with out a level 3 guard card or any guard card. Most of their armed security are immature little punks that wish they could be a cop, but can't hack it so they join a guard company and get armed the illegal way."

Wow. It sounds like this former employee has witnessed much of the stuff that I have reported on the Blog and complained to RLD! RLD OR THE PI BOARD CAN YOU PLEASE, PLEASE DO SOMETHING?

One source places Gil Baca (G3) in California but another said that Baca was in Las Vegas. Maybe he is on vacation with his employee's money or maybe he got some "investor" money from that ad that he placed on-line...

The picture above isn't Gil Baca

I am submitting 11 complaints/investigations against New Mexico's security companies to RLD.

I document my investigations and provide videos, audio and other evidence on this blog. Of course, issues involving license violations are forwarded to New Mexico Regulation and Licensing and the Private Investigator's Board. We did most of the investigation for them- hopefully our efforts won't be wasted on inaction, lost complaints, missing complaints or dismissed complaints in the "complaint committee" without explanation to the security industry.