Potsdam Man Charged After Two Canton Fraud Investigations

State Police say two businesses were targeted in separate bad check complaints totaling nearly $3,000.

A Potsdam fraud investigation has led to multiple charges after New York State Police said a man used bad or fraudulent checks to purchase merchandise from two Canton-area businesses. Police identified the suspect as Ryan P. Clement, 40, of Potsdam, and said the two complaints involved merchandise valued at nearly $3,000 combined.

According to State Police, Clement was charged on June 16, 2026, with two counts of Grand Larceny in the 4th Degree and two counts of Issuing a Bad Check. The charges stem from investigations at two separate businesses in the town of Canton.

What State Police Say Happened

State Police said the first complaint came on June 11, 2026, when troopers responded at about 6:18 p.m. to the Wood Chop Shop on Cowan Road in Canton. Investigators said Clement allegedly purchased merchandise valued at $1,182.58 using a check while knowing the account did not have enough money to cover it.

During that investigation, troopers said they identified a second incident. On June 16, 2026, police responded to another business on County Route 27 in Canton for a separate fraud complaint. State Police said that investigation found Clement allegedly purchased merchandise valued at $1,802.02 using a fraudulent check.

Together, the two alleged purchases totaled $2,984.60.

Arrest Warrant Issued

As a result of the investigations, State Police said an arrest warrant was issued for Clement. Members of the Potsdam Police Department later took Clement into custody on an unrelated matter and notified State Police of his location. Troopers then took custody of Clement and transported him to SP Canton for processing.

Clement was arraigned in Town of Canton Court and remanded to the St. Lawrence County Correctional Facility, according to State Police.

What the Charges Mean

Under New York law, Grand Larceny in the 4th Degree can apply when the value of stolen property exceeds $1,000. The New York State Senate’s published text of Penal Law §155.30 states that a person is guilty when they steal property and “the value of the property exceeds one thousand dollars.”

New York Penal Law §190.05 defines Issuing a Bad Check as knowingly issuing or passing a check without sufficient funds, while intending or believing payment will be refused. The offense is listed as a Class B misdemeanor under state law.

A Reminder About Fraud Allegations

The charges are accusations. Clement is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

Fraud complaints involving checks can be especially difficult for small businesses. A single unpaid transaction may create a ripple effect, from lost inventory to delayed payments and extra administrative costs.

For business owners, the case is a reminder to use basic safeguards when accepting checks, especially for larger purchases:

• Verify identification before completing the transaction.
• Confirm check details match the purchaser’s information.
• Use bank verification tools when available.
• Keep records, receipts, and security footage.
• Report suspicious transactions quickly.

Conclusion

State Police say the investigation began with one Canton fraud complaint and expanded after troopers identified a second alleged incident. Clement now faces two grand larceny charges and two bad check charges connected to purchases totaling nearly $3,000.

Anyone with information about similar incidents should contact law enforcement.