Contractor John McClure Faces Decade-Long Prison Term in Fraud Scam

New York Attorney General Letitia James and State Police Superintendent Steven G. James today announced the sentencing of John McClure, 45, of Granville, Washington County, for a massive contractor fraud scheme that bilked over a dozen upstate homeowners out of more than $1.5 million.

McClure was sentenced to five to 15 years in state prison, while his wife, Sarah Chambers, 38, received six months in jail and five years’ probation. Together, they were ordered to pay the victim homeowners over $890,000 as part of their judgments.

The couple operated under various aliases and construction businesses including McClure and Son Constructions and JM Escavation and Demolition Services. McClure charged homeowners large deposits for home improvement work but failed to deliver on promises, using the money instead for personal expenses and gambling.

A joint investigation by the Office of the Attorney General’s Criminal Enforcement and Financial Crimes Bureau (CEFC) and NYSP uncovered that McClure spent homeowners’ funds on trips to casinos, payments for child support and rent, and an overstock storefront. The scheme lasted from September 2019 to August 2023.

“Fraud of any kind is unacceptable, but it is especially heinous when it preys on innocent homeowners,” said Attorney General James. “McClure’s actions are a stark reminder that those who exploit hardworking New Yorkers will be held accountable.”

New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James echoed the sentiment, stating, “Cheating homeowners out of their life savings is intolerable. I commend our officers and partners for their dedication to protecting the public from such deceptive practices.”