Fort Edward, New York — A Granville man has been sentenced to up to 15 years in state prison, while his wife received a six-month jail term, after the couple defrauded dozens of homeowners in Warren and Washington counties through a long-running contractor scam.
John McClure, 45, was sentenced Thursday in Washington County Court to five to 15 years in prison. His wife, Sarah Chambers, 38, was sentenced separately to six months in jail and five years of probation. Together, the couple has been ordered to repay more than $890,000 to victims.
Both previously pleaded guilty to second-degree grand larceny and first-degree scheming to defraud following an investigation by the New York State Attorney General’s Office. Authorities said the scheme targeted more than a dozen homeowners and resulted in losses exceeding $1.5 million.
According to prosecutors, McClure and Chambers advertised construction and excavation services online between September 2019 and August 2023, using platforms such as Facebook, Google, Angie’s List, and Porch.com. They operated under multiple business names, including McClure and Son Constructions, McClure and Sons Construction, JM Escavation and Demolition Services, and JM & Son Excavation and Demolition.
New York Attorney General Letitia James said the couple collected large upfront deposits for projects they never completed, often failing to purchase materials or abandoning jobs entirely. Any work that was performed was frequently substandard and required additional repairs by other contractors.
A forensic audit revealed that instead of using the funds for construction, the defendants spent the money on personal expenses, casino trips, cash withdrawals, vehicles, and other non-business purposes. Purchases included luxury and specialty vehicles, payments for child support and rent, and funding for a separate retail business.
Investigators said Chambers assisted the scheme by acting as a false reference, opening business bank accounts in her name, and withdrawing homeowner funds at McClure’s direction to help conceal assets.
McClure also pleaded guilty to an additional grand larceny charge in Warren County and is expected to receive a concurrent prison sentence. Chambers was ordered to pay restitution totaling more than $308,000, while McClure faces restitution judgments of nearly $900,000.
