BRIGHTON, NY — New York State Police charged a Franklin County construction company owner with multiple counts of grand larceny and weapons possession following a 15-month investigation.
Andrew W. Cassata, 27, of Paul Smiths, turned himself in at State Police barracks in Ray Brook on Jan. 21, 2026.
State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation began investigating Cassata’s business dealings in October 2024 after receiving complaints about his company, MC Construction and Development.
Investigators interviewed multiple victims and executed search warrants on Cassata’s companies and residence during the investigation.
The New York State Police Financial Crimes Unit and Computer Crimes Unit assisted in the investigation.
Cassata allegedly defrauded multiple customers by overcharging clients and failing to complete contracted work.
During a search warrant execution at Cassata’s residence, investigators located two non-compliant AR-15 style rifles, one of which was loaded.
Cassata faces four counts of grand larceny in the third degree for property value exceeding $3,000, issuing a bad check, scheme to defraud in the first degree for obtaining property exceeding $1,000 from one or more persons, and grand larceny in the second degree for property value exceeding $50,000.
He also faces criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree for a loaded firearm outside his home or business, failure to safely store firearms in the first degree, two counts of criminal possession of a firearm, and criminal possession of an assault weapon in the third degree.
Cassata was arraigned in Brighton Town Court and released on his own recognizance.
State Police are asking anyone who believes they may have been a victim of crimes involving MC Construction and Development to contact the Ray Brook barracks.
