Joel Rivera testifies to rehabilitation after felony convictions; Board accepts record, no immediate decision

Joel Rivera told the Structural Pest Control Board on Oct. 1 that he “lost himself” after the conduct that led to criminal convictions and the revocation of his field representative and applicator licenses, and that he has completed court-ordered treatment programs and is seeking reinstatement.

At a hearing before Administrative Law Judge Christopher Dietrich, Deputy Attorney General Stephanie Lee summarized the petition and the underlying accusation (case 2020-214) that led to license revocation effective April 28, 2022. Lee said Rivera sustained substantially related criminal convictions in Los Angeles County (dated Aug. 12, 2021) — including convictions under Penal Code section 273.5 (spousal injury) and related child abuse charges — and was sentenced to a term that included 233 days in county jail, a requirement to complete a 12-month residential treatment program and a 52-week domestic violence program, and a criminal protective order. Rivera provided documentary evidence of completed programs and the board admitted the department’s exhibit book as Exhibit 1.

Rivera, testifying under oath, said he served residential treatment, completed the 52-week program, and has been sober since a stated sobriety date (recorded in the hearing as July 15, 2025). He told the board he has returned to work as a part-time helper for Walworth and Sons and has also worked through temporary staffing agencies since losing his licenses. Rivera said he wants to reinstate his field representative license (Branch 2) and indicated interest in seeking additional licenses thereafter. He told the panel he has three children and lives with his wife and family, said he had no current criminal charges, and stated he was not taking medication that would affect his testimony.

Lee noted there is outstanding cost recovery from the underlying accusation in the amount of $1,618.75 and asked that cost recovery be made a condition of reinstatement if the board were to grant relief. Rivera said he would be willing to arrange payments but could not pay the full amount immediately.

Board members questioned Rivera about his treatment, sobriety supports (meetings, sponsor), probation transfer and an isolated probation violation in 2023 tied to a protective-order issue. Rivera said his probation has ended and that protective orders are no longer in effect. He acknowledged a lapse after treatment but said he continued counseling and now draws on faith, church activities and support from a sponsor.

With no additional witnesses and no further documents, both parties said the matter was submitted; the record was closed and the board moved to closed session to deliberate. The board did not announce a decision at the meeting; any written decision will be mailed to Rivera.

This was a petitioner hearing, and no board vote on reinstatement was taken in open session at the Oct. 1 meeting.