BATH, NY — A Dansville man has been arrested on a felony grand larceny charge following an investigation into an unfinished construction project.
James S. Johnson Jr., 41, of Dansville, was arrested by New York State Police on March 4, 2026, and charged with third-degree grand larceny, a class D felony.
An investigation determined that Johnson entered into a contract with a homeowner in the town of Urbana, Steuben County, to construct a tram and elevator system to allow wheelchair access to the lakefront at the residence.
In August 2024, Johnson accepted a $10,000 deposit for the project, which was deposited into a bank account associated with his wife, according to police.
The investigation revealed that the funds were spent at various retail locations, gas stations and hotels.
No materials were purchased and no work was completed for the project, police said.
Johnson was transported from the Yates County Jail to the State Police barracks in Bath, where he was arrested and processed without incident.
He was issued an appearance ticket and returned to the custody of the Yates County Jail.
Johnson is scheduled to appear in the Town of Urbana Court on March 23, 2026, at 5 p.m.
