Builder Accused of Scamming Illegal Workers

Correction: Southland Construction performed the demolition of a building remodel at Laguna Hills High School from June 24, 2008 to July 3, 2008.

A former Saddleback Valley Unified building contractor is accused of embezzling over $350,000 in taxpayer money from his illegal immigrant employees.

Reza Mohammedi, 57, Tustin, faces 48 years in prison.

The District Attorney's Office says the owner of Southland Construction told public agencies he was paying his workers $42 to $53 an hour, but actually paid them $13 an hour.

According to the D.A., Mohameddi printed payroll checks with the higher pay, but required his employees to pay unreported workers in cash.

The D.A. further accuses him of "hiring mostly undocumented Hispanic workers and threatening to call authorities if they reported his scheme." He's also accused of coaching his workers on speaking to wage inspectors.

Southland Construction performed jobs for several Orange County municipalities, including Laguna Woods and the County.

In 2008 Saddleback Unified paid Southland $19,000 for demolition work at Laguna Hills High School following a building renovation June 24-July3.

The company was also used to install and repair concrete on a SVUSD job paid for in Jan. 2011.

The school district was contacted at 4:45 p.m. Tuesday, but did not immediately return a request by Patch for more information.