Granville Couple Sentenced for $1.5M Contractor Fraud

John McClure and Sarah Chamber defrauded over a dozen homeowners in New York state.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 6:15am

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A Granville, New York couple, John McClure and Sarah Chamber, have been sentenced to prison after admitting to defrauding over a dozen homeowners out of more than $1.5 million between 2019 and 2023. The couple took payments for home improvement work that was never performed, and instead spent the money on personal expenses, trips to casinos, and purchasing multiple vehicles including a 1927 Bugatti and a 1985 Lamborghini.

Why it matters

This case highlights the serious consequences of contractor fraud, which can devastate homeowners who trust contractors to complete work on their homes. It also demonstrates the importance of thorough vetting and research when hiring contractors to ensure they are legitimate and will complete the agreed-upon work.

The details

According to the New York State Attorney General's Office, McClure and Chamber advertised contracting services under different business names to get money from homeowners in Washington and Warren Counties, but then failed to actually do the work. A forensic audit revealed they used the money for personal expenses, trips to casinos, payments towards child support and rent, and purchasing multiple luxury vehicles.

  • Between September 2019 and August 2023, McClure and Chamber defrauded homeowners.
  • In November, they both pleaded guilty to one count of grand larceny in the second degree and scheme to defraud in the first degree.
  • McClure is expected to be sentenced in Warren County on February 4.

The players

John McClure

A 45-year-old man who, along with his wife, defrauded over a dozen homeowners out of more than $1.5 million.

Sarah Chamber

A 38-year-old woman who, along with her husband, defrauded over a dozen homeowners out of more than $1.5 million.

Letitia James

The New York State Attorney General, who stated that the fraud committed by McClure and Chamber is "even more disgraceful when it comes at the expense of hard-working New York homeowners."

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What they’re saying

“Fraud of any kind is unacceptable, but it is even more disgraceful when it comes at the expense of hard-working New York homeowners. McClure and his wife defrauded dozens of homeowners out of over $1.5 million for services that were never performed and instead spent the money on themselves at casinos and to purchase vehicles. I thank the New York State Police and our partners in law enforcement for their work to secure these convictions and their continued collaboration in ensuring all those who prey on New Yorkers will be held accountable.”

— Letitia James, New York State Attorney General

What’s next

McClure is expected to be sentenced in Warren County on February 4.

The takeaway

This case serves as a stark reminder for homeowners to thoroughly research and vet any contractors they hire, and to be wary of any contractors who demand upfront payments or fail to provide detailed contracts and timelines for the work to be completed. Contractor fraud can have devastating financial and emotional consequences for victims.