DA issues price-gouging alert

Imperial County District Attorney Gilbert G. Otero on Friday issued a consumer alert regarding price gouging.

This alert follows Governor Gavin Newsom’s Executive Order N-3320, issued Thursday, ordering all individuals living in California to stay home or at their place of residence except as needed to maintain continuity of operations of the federal critical infrastructure sectors due to the spread of COVID-19.

Pursuant to a previously declared state of emergency, price gouging as defined by Penal Code section 396 is illegal until Sept. 4.

Until Sept. 4, businesses, retailers and other service or goods providers may not charge a price that is more than 10 percent higher than the price that existed prior to the declaration.

Covered goods and services include food, emergency supplies, medical supplies, building materials, gasoline, transportation, freight and storage services, hotel accommodations and rental housing.

Goods and service providers may charge more than 10 percent only if their costs have increased, a press release from the IC District Attorney’s Office stated.

Price gouging is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $10,000.

Violators may also be subject to civil enforcement actions and penalties up to $5,000 per violation, plus restitution.

County residents may report suspected price gouging by calling the District Attorney’s Office at (442) 265-1175 or by sending an email to icda@co.imperial.ca.us

— Vincent Osuna, vosuna@ivpressonline.com