(WNY News Now) – New York Attorney General Letitia James and State Police Superintendent Steven G. James have announced the indictment of a Granville couple accused of orchestrating a fraudulent home improvement scheme affecting more than a dozen homeowners.
GRANVILLE, N.Y. — A Washington County couple has been indicted on multiple felony charges for allegedly defrauding homeowners across Washington and Warren Counties out of more than $1.5 million through a years-long home improvement scam.
John McClure, 44, and his wife Sarah Chambers, 38, both of Granville, were arraigned following a joint investigation by the New York State Attorney General’s Office and the State Police. McClure faces charges in two separate indictments, including grand larceny and scheme to defraud. Chambers is charged with larceny, fraud, and criminal possession of a forged instrument.
Prosecutors allege the couple operated under several business names—such as McClure and Sons Construction and JM & Son Excavation—advertising services like home builds, renovations, and demolition work on platforms including Facebook, Google, and Angie’s List. From 2019 to 2023, they allegedly collected large upfront deposits from homeowners but failed to perform the promised work, often abandoning projects or delivering substandard construction.
Instead of completing the work, investigators say the couple used the stolen funds to pay for personal expenses, including trips to casinos, luxury vehicles, and operating a storefront in Glens Falls. In one case, McClure is accused of falsely claiming his bank account had been hacked after receiving a deposit, when the funds had already been spent.
Chambers allegedly acted as a reference for the fraudulent businesses, helped draft false contracts, and deposited counterfeit checks into business accounts used to withdraw funds.
The investigation revealed victims included elderly homeowners who lost tens of thousands of dollars. One now resides in a hotel after his retirement home was never built.
McClure and Chambers face up to 10 to 20 years in prison if convicted on all counts. McClure was released with electronic monitoring, while Chambers was released on her own recognizance.
Attorney General James urged any homeowners who may have been defrauded to contact her office at McClure.Complaint@ag.ny.gov.
All charges are accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
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