Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 74-year-old Frederick DeNormand of Pendleton pleaded guilty before State Supreme Court Justice Paul B. Wojtaszek to one count of Scheme to Defraud in the First Degree, a Class E felony.

Between May 26, 2016 and September 20, 2017, the defendant, owner of Classic Fence and Lumber, admitted that he accepted payment from over 50 clients to install fences on their properties, and failed to perform any work.

As part of his plea, the defendant agreed to pay back $138,573 to the victims.

DeNormand faces a maximum of 4 years in prison when he is sentenced on Thursday, September 20 at 9:30 a.m.

“My office is committed to prosecuting offenders who take advantage of other people for their own benefit. Mr. DeNormand scammed dozens of people, and I hope they feel justice has been served by the defendant pleading guilty to a felony charge and paying full restitution,” said Erie County District Attorney John Flynn. “I want to thank the New York State Attorney General’s Office for bringing these additional complainants to our attention.”

 “New Yorkers deserve to receive the products and services they paid for, and not be scammed out of their hard-earned money,” said Attorney General Underwood. “We will continue to work with our partners in law enforcement to protect New Yorkers from fraud.”

DA Flynn commends the New York State Attorney General’s Office Consumer Frauds & Protection Bureau for their assistance in the investigation.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Gary M. Ertel of the DA’s Special Investigations and Prosecutions Bureau.