Schenectady man pleads guilty for contracting scam

WILTON, N.Y. (NEWS10)-- A Schenectady man pleaded guilty in Saratoga County Court on Monday to a charge of third-degree grand larceny. The county District Attorney's office said James S. Butler, owner of a fence installation business, admitted to stealing money from customers and not fulfilling the work they paid for on several occasions.

Butler, who owns “Trust a Fence,” admitted he accepted payment from a client in Saratoga and Warren Counties who were looking to have fencing installed without completing the work in summer and fall of 2023. He received more than $15,000 combined, and never started the projects or returned the money.

Butler faces a possible sentence of 7 years. He is scheduled to appear in court again for sentencing on April 28 at 10 a.m.