State police charged a Dansville man with grand larceny after investigators said he took a $10,000 deposit for a project that was never completed.
James S. Johnson Jr., 41, was arrested following a fraud investigation involving a homeowner in the town of Urbana in Steuben County.
Investigators said Johnson entered into a contract to build a tram or elevator system that would allow wheelchair access to a lakefront at the residence.
In August 2024, police said Johnson accepted a $10,000 deposit for the project. The money was deposited into a bank account associated with his wife.
The investigation found the funds were later spent at retail stores, gas stations and hotels. Authorities reported that no materials were purchased and no work was completed for the project.
On March 4, Johnson was transported from the Yates County Jail to the State Police barracks in Bath, where he was arrested and processed.
He was issued an appearance ticket and returned to the custody of the Yates County Jail.
Johnson is scheduled to appear in Town of Urbana Court on March 23 at 5 p.m.
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