A Fall River man, Antonio Borges, was sentenced to 1 year in jail for operating a commercial grease hood cleaning scam targeting local restaurants. Borges posed as a certified grease hood cleaner, although his license had been revoked in September 2022 after an investigation revealed fraudulent inspections at multiple establishments. Complaints were made between April 2022 and October 2023, detailing Borges’ deceptive practices that created a significant fire hazard, endangering employees, customers, and firefighters. The Bristol County District Attorney, Thomas Quinn, emphasized the seriousness of the situation, highlighting the potential risks associated with dirty grease hoods in commercial kitchens. A dirty grease hood can lead to a dangerous grease fire, equipment damage, and poor air quality. Borges’ fraudulent actions not only deceived restaurant owners but also put lives at risk. As part of his sentencing, Borges will serve 90 days in jail with a year-long suspended sentence that will be activated if he is arrested for any other offenses within the next two years. The case serves as a cautionary tale for the importance of verifying the credentials of service providers to ensure the safety and well-being of businesses and their patrons.
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