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Irish and U.K. Nationals Charged with Multi-State Construction Fraud
A brazen scheme to defraud vulnerable members of our community has been unsealed in Manhattan federal court. James Dinnigan, a/k/a ‘Charlie Ward,’ and Martin Maughan, a/k/a ‘Lawrence Rogers,’ have been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud for their participation in a multi-year, multi-state organized construction fraud scheme.
The scheme targeted at least 24 victims, including numerous elderly and vulnerable victims. The perpetrators of the scheme posed as legitimate home repair contractors and tricked homeowners into paying for thousands of dollars in unnecessary and unwanted home repairs.
As alleged in the Complaint unsealed today in Manhattan federal court, Dinnigan and Maughan participated in a construction fraud scheme involving dozens of victims in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and several other states. The scheme proceeded as follows: participants made false statements to victims about their operation of legitimate home repair businesses and their occupation as contractors or engineers. After being hired, members of the scheme tricked victims into paying for additional unwanted or unnecessary home repairs and other construction, including by purposefully damaging or destroying the victims’ property.
The FBI has identified more than two dozen victims—many who are elderly individuals—who have lost at least $1 million as a result of this scheme. Dinnigan and Maughan communicated with victims using cellphones and email. The perpetrators of the scheme also operated websites in the names of at least two purported construction companies: Local Masonry and Construction and Pine Valley Home Improvements, Inc.
Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky said, ‘Today’s charges should serve as a reminder that this Office and its law enforcement partners are committed to investigating and bringing to justice those who seek to enrich themselves by victimizing vulnerable members of our community.’
MAUGHAN was transferred from state custody to federal custody today and will be presented before U.S. Magistrate Robyn Tarnofsky. Dinnigan is in federal immigration custody and will be transferred to the Southern District of New York.
Defendant: James Dinnigan a.k.a. ‘Charlie Ward’
Criminal Charges: Conspiracy to commit wire fraud
City and State: New York
Date: February 2025
Sentence or Outcome: Currently in federal immigration custody
Dollar Amounts: At least $1 million
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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