Paul J. Newman, 49, recently named 'fake architect', is charged with ''fraudulent architecture and design services'' since 2010, according to New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman. 

Paul J. Newman, President of Cohesion Studios, Inc., allegedly collected nearly $200,000 from over 100 commercial and residential clients in Albany, Rensselaer and Saratoga Counties for rendering fraudulent architecture and design services for a decade by pretending to be a licensed and registered architect. 

Dubbed as ''Operation Vandelay Industries'', Schneiderman’s office declared that Newman worked on numerous housing plans as well as foundation inspections, field reports, energy compliance certificates, and engineer letters, to various towns and cities, falsely certifying on the documents that he was a registered and licensed architect and affixing a forged New York State Registered Architect Stamp or Professional Engineer Stamp.

''According to statements by the prosecutor at arraignment, since at least 2010, Newman has been presenting himself as an architect to multiple municipalities in the Capital Region.  Newman allegedly advertised his architectural services on various social media outlets until he became aware that a complaint had been filed with the New York State Education Department (“NYSED”), Office of the Professions,'' stated the Schneiderman’s office.

''Soon after, Newman removed any reference to ''architecture'' in his ads and replaced it with ''design.'' In June 2015, investigators from NYSED, Office of the Professions received a complaint alleging that Newman was practicing architecture without a license. In May 2016, following the NYSED investigation, the matter was referred to the Attorney General’s Criminal Enforcement and Financial Crimes Bureau.

''As we allege, for over seven years the defendant has pretended to be a Registered Architect, deceiving hundreds of New Yorkers – including families and senior citizens — with the sole goal of enriching himself,'' said Attorney General Schneiderman. 

''By allegedly falsifying building plans, code compliance inspections, and field reports, the defendant jeopardized the safety of those who resided in and frequented the buildings he was contracted to work on. Deceptive actions like these erode public trust — and my office will not tolerate them.''

There are series charges that will be directed to Newman in this case; the Pastures Project, Town of North Greenbush, Rensselaer, New York, between 2010 and 2015, Newman was hired as the architect for the development of more than 70 townhouses, receiving in excess of $50,000 for his services.

He is charged with fraud for the Livingston Project, City and County of Albany, New York and between 2012 and 2014, Newman was hired as the architect for the development of a multi-story senior living community, receiving in excess of $40,000.

Other issues are lined up for Newman: The Lofts Project, Town of Malta, Saratoga, New York-Between 2014 and 2016, Newman was the Project Architect for the construction of a 214-unit multifamily apartment community, receiving in excess of $35,000.

The Vistas Project, Town of Clifton Park, Saratoga, New York-Between 2011 and 2014, Newman was hired as the architect for the development of more than 25 townhouses, receiving in excess of $35,000.

The Hannoush Jewelers Project, Town of Colonie, Albany, New York-Between 2011 and 2012, Newman was hired as the architect on a renovation project for a jewelry store, receiving in excess of $20,000.

The Ballston Senior Living Project, Town of Ballston, Saratoga, New York-Between 2012 and 2013, Newman was hired as the architect for the development of a multi-story senior living community, receiving in excess of $8,000.

Newman, 49, was arraigned on April 17, 2017 in Saratoga County Court before the Honorable James A. Murphy, III. The defendant was remanded on the 31-count indictment. If convicted of the highest count charged, Newman faces up to 5 to 15 years in prison.

Attorney General Schneiderman works with the New York State Education Department for this case on this investigation. 

Top image: Paul J. Newman, President of Cohesion Studios, Inc. Courtesy of Office of NY Attorney General

> via New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman