FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Public Warned to Review Work by Unlicensed Fire Equipment Installer

San Antonio, Texas: Bexar County District Attorney Susan D. Reed announced today that on August 27, 2004 David Lyons, 51, was arrested after being indicted on ten counts of Tampering with a Governmental Record, four counts of Securing the Execution of a Document by Deception $1,500-$20,000, and two counts of Theft $1,500-$20,000. The charges arise out of allegations that the defendant engaged in unlicensed installation and service of fire extinguishers and fire extinguisher systems. These activities occurred in Bexar County as well as adjoining counties such as Comal, Kendall, Medina, and Uvalde. It is possible that systems serviced or installed by David Lyons may provide inadequate or defective fire protection. The faulty work performed by Lyons has been identified as a contributing factor in at least one fire. For that reason it is recommended by the State Fire Marshall’s Office that any person or business who had work performed by David Lyons from March 1999 to the present should have their system inspected by a registered and licensed fire extinguisher firm to ensure proper functioning.

To ensure that those providing fire extinguisher service are legitimate, the State Fire Marshal's Office further recommends that you ask all servicemen to show you their pocket license. You can also check the list of licensees in the State Fire Marshal's Office section on the Texas Department of Insurance web site or contact your local fire marshal.

Tampering with a Governmental Record is a 2^nd degree felony carrying a punishment range between 2 years to 20 years in prison. Securing the Execution of a Document by Deception and Theft $1,500-$20,000 is a state jail felony with a punishment range between 6 months to 2 years in the State Jail Facility.

Questions about registered firms and recommended inspections can be directed to State Fire Marshall’s Office at (800) 578-4677 or the Bexar County Fire Marshall’s Office at (210) 335-0300.

Questions regarding this prosecution may be directed to the Chief of the White Collar Crime Division at the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office, Cliff Herberg, at (210) 335-2404.