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Suspect apprehended after posing as Cal/OSHA inspector

SACRAMENTO --A paroled felon who allegedly victimized several minority-owned small businesses in the Los Angeles County area by posing as a Cal/OSHA inspector was recently arrested in a joint Cal/OSHA sting operation conducted by the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Major Crimes Unit.

The suspect, Mark Dwayne Jackson, threatened to impose severe monetary fines and penalties for non-existent safety violations unless the owners agreed to a cash settlement. In return Jackson promised not to issue citations against them.

Jackson presented false OSHA identification cards bearing the name of one of the inspectors with the Cal/OSHA Anaheim High Hazard Unit.

Jackson was apprehended after a business owner agreed to be wired and pass marked money to the suspect. The suspect was arrested at the scene of the owner's business.

After a search warrant was obtained, investigation of Jackson's home and vehicle turned up evidence of OSHA paraphernalia and false OSHA identification cards bearing a colored photograph of the suspect and the name of a Cal/OSHA inspector. Also discovered were names and addresses of other potential business victims.

The suspect will be charged with penal code violation 146a(b)(2), impersonating a state officer.

"We hope business owners take heed of this case in Los Angeles to avoid a similar experience," said John Howard, Cal/OSHA chief. "Impersonation of a Cal/OSHA inspector undermines the real work of Cal/OSHA which is to protect workplace safety and health."