Somerville And Cambridge Residents Fall Victim To Nationwide Construction Fraud

SOMERVILLE, MA — Homeowners in Somerville and Cambridge have fallen victim to an Irish national running a construction scam, according to the United States District Attorney’s Office.

Michael McInerney and Crystal O’Reilly were first encountered by police in early 2024 when they were pulled over. The Irish natives were both found to be illegally in the country and did not have driver’s licenses. Police also found $70,000 in cash in the vehicle as well as two Rolex watches. McInerney was reportedly recognized by police as a possible member of a group that executes construction, paving, and roofing fraud schemes throughout the country.

After obtaining financial records, investigators discovered that a 75-year-old Somerville resident had given nearly $200,000 to McInerney for work on his property that was never completed. In addition, a 78-year-old Cambridge resident had claimed he had been charged $80,000 for work that should have only cost approximately $30,000.

The United States Attorney’s Office has filed a civil forfeiture action to recover the $70,000 found in the vehicle and the two watches.

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