New York Attorney General Letitia James and State Police Superintendent Steven G. James announced the indictment of John McClure and Sarah Chambers for allegedly defrauding homeowners in Washington and Warren Counties. The couple is accused of operating a contractor fraud scheme that resulted in losses exceeding $1.5 million from more than a dozen homeowners.
The indictments, unsealed in Washington County Court before Judge Kelly S. McKeighan, charge McClure and Chambers with obtaining over $1.2 million in fraudulent home improvement payments. A separate indictment unsealed in Warren County Court charges McClure with stealing over $300,000 from four additional homeowners.
Attorney General James stated, “John McClure and Sarah Chambers are charged with agreeing to perform home improvement services for their clients but instead pocketing the money to visit casinos, purchase vehicles, and cover other projects to further their scheme.”
State Police Superintendent Steven G. James added, “This couple willfully misrepresented themselves in order to cheat homeowners out of their hard-earned money.”
The investigation by the Office of the Attorney General’s Criminal Enforcement and Financial Crimes Bureau (CEFC) and the New York State Police revealed that between September 2019 and August 2023, McClure advertised his services under various business names on multiple platforms but failed to deliver on promises made to clients.
McClure allegedly solicited large upfront deposits for work that was never completed or substandard. Chambers is accused of serving as a fake reference, drafting contracts for unfinished projects, and managing bank accounts used in the scheme.
The forensic audit found that funds intended for home improvements were instead spent on personal expenses including trips to casinos, vehicle purchases, and funding a storefront known as MG Sales.
Victims included elderly homeowners who lost significant sums intended for building retirement homes. The legal proceedings could result in sentences ranging from 10 to 20 years if convictions are secured on all counts.
Any affected homeowner is encouraged to contact the Office of the Attorney General at McClure.Complaint@ag.ny.gov. The charges remain allegations until proven otherwise.
Attorney General James expressed gratitude towards several law enforcement agencies for their assistance in this case which is being prosecuted by Assistant Attorneys General John Healy and Cheryl Lee under CEFC’s leadership.
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