Upstate NY Contractor Couple Sentenced for $1.5M Homeowner Scam

John McClure received 5-15 years in prison, while his wife Sarah Chambers was sentenced to 6 months for defrauding dozens of homeowners.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 5:07pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A Granville, NY couple, John McClure and Sarah Chambers, were sentenced for defrauding over a dozen Upstate New York homeowners out of more than $1.5 million through a contractor scheme. McClure was sentenced to 5-15 years in prison, while Chambers received 6 months in jail. The couple used various construction business names to solicit large upfront deposits for home improvement projects that they failed to complete, instead using the money for personal expenses, trips to casinos, and purchasing luxury vehicles.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing problem of contractor fraud targeting homeowners, particularly in areas with high construction demand. The McClure and Chambers scheme exploited vulnerable homeowners, diverting funds meant for home improvements to fund their own lavish lifestyle. It underscores the need for stronger consumer protections and oversight of the home contracting industry.

The details

Between September 2019 and August 2023, McClure and Chambers fraudulently obtained over $1.5 million from more than a dozen homeowners in Upstate New York. They advertised contracting services like home building, renovations, excavation, and construction on various websites, using business names like McClure and Son Constructions, McClure and Sons Construction, JM Escavation and Demolition Services, and JM & Son Excavation and Demolition. McClure would solicit large upfront deposits, fail to perform the work, and refuse to issue refunds. Any work done was often substandard, requiring additional repairs by other contractors. A forensic audit found the couple used the stolen funds for personal expenses, casino trips, child support, and purchasing luxury vehicles including a 1927 Bugatti and 1985 Lamborghini.

  • In September 2019, McClure and Chambers began their contractor fraud scheme.
  • The scheme continued until August 2023, when it was uncovered by authorities.
  • In November 2025, McClure pleaded guilty to grand larceny and fraud charges.
  • In December 2025, Chambers was sentenced to 6 months in jail.
  • On February 1, 2026, McClure was sentenced to 5-15 years in prison.

The players

John McClure

A 45-year-old Granville, NY man who pleaded guilty to grand larceny and fraud charges for defrauding dozens of homeowners out of over $1.5 million through a contractor scheme.

Sarah Chambers

The 38-year-old wife of John McClure who pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 6 months in jail for her role in the contractor fraud scheme.

New York State Attorney General Letitia James

The state attorney general who announced the convictions and praised law enforcement for investigating the couple's fraudulent activities.

New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James

The state police superintendent who commended the interagency investigation that led to the indictment of McClure and Chambers.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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.”

— Letitia James, New York State Attorney General (newyorkupstate.com)

“Strong and dedicated interagency partnerships have led to the indictment of two individuals who preyed on innocent customers, diverting funds for their personal use. Cheating homeowners out of their hard-earned money and carrying out dishonest business practices will not be tolerated in New York state. I commend our state police members and partners at the Attorney General's Office for their commitment to investigating those who deceive the unsuspecting public.”

— Steven G. James, New York State Police Superintendent (newyorkupstate.com)

What’s next

The judge in Warren County is scheduled to sentence McClure on February 4, 2026 for the additional grand larceny charges he pleaded guilty to in that jurisdiction.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for stronger consumer protections and oversight in the home contracting industry to prevent predatory scams that exploit vulnerable homeowners. It also underscores the importance of interagency cooperation in investigating and prosecuting complex financial crimes.