Schenectady Contractor Arrested for Alleged Fraud

Christopher P. Quinn accused of taking over $11,000 for fence work he never completed

Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:56pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a crumpled, torn financial document against a stark black background, conceptually representing the deception and financial harm caused by contractor fraud.A recent wave of contractor fraud cases in the Schenectady area exposes the challenges of holding repeat offenders accountable.Schenectady Today

A 48-year-old contractor from Schenectady, New York has been arrested after police say he defrauded a victim by accepting over $11,000 to complete fence work that he never installed. The suspect, Christopher P. Quinn, also allegedly used a false name, Christopher Johnson, when he was hired for the job.

Why it matters

Contractor fraud is an ongoing issue in the construction industry, with homeowners often left with unfinished work and significant financial losses. This case highlights the importance of thorough vetting and research when hiring contractors, as well as the need for stronger consumer protections and enforcement against these types of scams.

The details

According to the New York State Police, Quinn was hired in February 2024 by a resident in Rensselaer to complete fence work. He was paid over $11,000 but never installed the fence. The Rensselaer County Sheriff's Office later investigated similar incidents involving Quinn, leading to an arrest warrant being issued. Quinn was located during a traffic stop in Colonie and arrested. He is charged with grand larceny and scheme to defraud.

  • Quinn was hired in February 2024 to complete the fence work.
  • The Rensselaer County Sheriff's Office investigated similar incidents involving Quinn, leading to an arrest warrant being issued.
  • Quinn was located and arrested during a traffic stop in Colonie.

The players

Christopher P. Quinn

A 48-year-old contractor from Schenectady, New York who is accused of defrauding a victim by accepting over $11,000 to complete fence work that he never installed. He also allegedly used a false name, Christopher Johnson, when he was hired for the job.

Rensselaer County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that investigated similar incidents involving Quinn, leading to an arrest warrant being issued.

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What’s next

Quinn was released under probation supervision before being turned over to the Rensselaer County Sheriff's Office for another outstanding arrest warrant.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing issue of contractor fraud, where homeowners can be left with unfinished work and significant financial losses. It underscores the importance of thorough research and vetting when hiring contractors, as well as the need for stronger consumer protections and enforcement against these types of scams.