Chelmsford Man Pleads Guilty To Larceny Charges

Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan announced that Kenneth Dunne, 54, of Chelmsford, pled guilty in Lowell District Court to larceny over $250, larceny over $250 by a single scheme, and seven counts of larceny by check over $250.

Judge Thomas Brennan sentenced the defendant to two years in the House of Correction and six years of probation. The defendant was ordered to comply with probation conditions that require the defendant to enter and complete drug court, to abstain from drugs and alcohol and be subject to random screens, and to undergo mental health assessments.

“In this instance, the defendant promised his construction services to customers, took payment, and then did not deliver 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,” said District Attorney Marian Ryan. “The defendant in this case deliberately exploited individuals who were looking for jobs, and home owners who were looking for a contractor.”

From June of 2014 to September of 2015, the defendant operated as a contractor, despite losing his license prior to these offenses, promising victims that he would perform services such as chimney repairs and hardwood floor replacements. Once the victims had paid the defendant for his services, the defendant would not show up to their residence to complete the work he had been hired for. The defendant would also scam individuals who were seeking employment with his company by asking them to cash his checks from their accounts only for the victims to discover that no money had been deposited and that the defendant had taken their money. These reported crimes took place in Dracut, Tyngsboro, and Lowell.

“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,” District Attorney Ryan added.

The prosecutors assigned to this case were Assistant District Attorney Megan McGovern and Assistant District Attorney Chad Harple.

The Middlesex District Attorney’s Office works with local law enforcement and community centers to educate the public on ways to protect themselves from scam artists. District Attorney Ryan recommends that members of the public avoid sharing their Social Security number, be cognizant of the fact that the IRS or banks will never ask for your personal information over the phone, and to be cautious when inviting a stranger into their home.