McClure and Chambers Sentenced for $1.5M Contractor Fraud Scheme

New York – In a stunning expose, John McClure, 45, and his wife Sarah Chambers, 38, of Granville, Washington County, have been sentenced for their role in a $1.5 million contractor fraud scheme that bilked over a dozen upstate homeowners out of their hard-earned money.

Attorney General Letitia James and State Police Superintendent Steven G. James announced today the convictions and sentencing of McClure to five to 15 years in state prison, while Chambers was sentenced to six months in jail and five years’ probation. The couple also agreed to pay over $890,000 in judgments to the victim homeowners.

Fraudulent activities, including Grand Larceny in the Second Degree and Scheme to Defraud in the First Degree, were uncovered by a joint investigation between the Office of the Attorney General’s Criminal Enforcement and Financial Crimes Bureau and the New York State Police. The investigation revealed that McClure and Chambers had been operating under various construction business names, fraudulently obtaining deposits for home improvement work they never intended to complete.

McClure solicited large upfront payments but failed to deliver on promised services. Instead of using the funds for construction materials or labor, he funneled the money into personal expenses and gambling trips. Chambers was complicit in the scheme, providing support for McClure’s illegal activities.

The victims’ homes were left incomplete and in disrepair, forcing them to incur additional costs for finishing work that should have been included in their initial contracts. A forensic audit confirmed that McClure’s expenditures were lavish and unrelated to any legitimate construction projects.

Attorney General James emphasized the gravity of the crime, stating, “Fraud is unacceptable but especially when it targets hard-working homeowners. We will continue to pursue those who prey on New Yorkers.” State Police Superintendent James praised the teamwork that led to these convictions, highlighting the commitment of law enforcement to protect the public from such deception.

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