A Chelmsford man has plead guilty to multiple charges of larceny.
Kenneth Dunne, 54, was sentenced at Lowell District Court to two years in the House of Correction and six years of probation including random screens, mental health assessments, and other drug and alcohol requirements.
From June 2014 to Sept. 2015, police say Dunne operated as a contractor, despite having lost his license, promising victims that he would perform services such as chimney repairs and hardwood floor replacements.
Once Dunne was paid for his services, he would not show up to complete the work he had been hired for, police say.
Dunne would also "scam" individuals, police said, who were seeking employment with his company by asking them to cash his checks from their accounts only to discover that no money had been deposited.
District Attorney Marian Ryan said Dunne had promised construction services to clients in Dracut, Tyngsboro and Lowell, took payment, but never delivered on those promises.
"This case is a reminder that members of the public should do their due diligence before hiring a contractor or signing a check to a person they do not know," Ryan said. "The defendant in this case deliberately exploited individuals who were looking for jobs, and home owners who were looking for a contractor."
The Middlesex District Attorney’s office works with local police and community centers to educate the public on ways to protect themselves from scam artists.
"I urge members of the public to reach out to our office if they believe they are victims of a scam. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is," Ryan added.
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