Operator Dawn Marie Charrette seeks reinstatement of operator license as board reviews 2005 fumigation-related disciplinary findings

Dawn Marie Charrette, a long‑time operator associated with D & S Termite (DNS), appeared with counsel Scott Harris on March 12, 2025, to renew a petition seeking reinstatement of her operator license and to describe steps she says demonstrate rehabilitation since a fumigation incident that resulted in a death in 2005.

Why it matters: The board’s earlier disciplinary action and ensuing litigation involved a fatal fumigation at a condominium complex; the case resulted in findings of gross negligence in several preparation and record‑keeping areas. Chartertte’s licensing status and DNS’s company compliance remain matters of public safety for fumigation and termite control operations.

What happened: Deputy Attorney General Stephanie Lee summarized a lengthy administrative record that included the board’s accusation (2006), two writ petitions in superior court, and a remand that left DNS on probation and imposed $100,000 in costs (later reduced in part). The record shows that in the board’s earlier finding the company had multiple preparation violations for a March 2005 fumigation, and a resident (Unit 108) was found inside the tarped structure and later died of fumigation gas exposure.

Charrette’s attorney, Scott Harris, opened with a brief statement asking the board to consider the passage of time, Charrette’s changed role and the steps she has taken since the discipline. Charrette testified under oath that she has been in the industry for decades, that she took counseling for about a year after the incident and that she now runs DNS in an administrative capacity while qualifying managers and licensed operators handle field operations. She said DNS has substantially restructured, sold fumigation equipment, and closed an in‑house fumigation department in 2023; the company now subcontracts fumigations and retains branch 2 and 3 operations with other qualifying managers installed for those branches.

Board members questioned Charrette about her past role, what she would do differently, and whether she accepts responsibility for the loss of life. Charrette said she accepted responsibility for poor decisions made in 2005 and said she had adjusted company operations, closed the fumigation department and had retained operators to perform fumigations under contract.

Other details: Charrette provided examples of community involvement — PTA leadership, awards and volunteer work — and said she continued to attend industry training and to maintain company compliance. Counsel introduced two small exhibits of character and “branch 1 closure” documents; the deputy attorney general did not object to admission. The petition record includes multiple prior petition denials (2015, 2016, 2018, 2019 and 2021) and a series of superior court rulings that affirmed many of the board’s factual findings.

Ending: The hearing record was closed after testimony and questioning. The board will deliberate in closed session and issue a written decision by mail.