Albany, NY — Chad Nichols, 47, of Ballston Spa, has been sentenced to state prison in absentia after defrauding a homeowner of more than $84,000 for incomplete home renovation projects.
Albany County District Attorney Lee C. Kindlon announced that on Thursday, Judge Thomas Marcelle sentenced Nichols to a combined term of four and two-thirds to 14 years in prison. Nichols had previously pleaded guilty on December 2, 2024, to Grand Larceny in the Second and Fourth Degrees, as well as Criminal Impersonation in the Second Degree. However, he failed to appear for sentencing, prompting Judge Marcelle to issue a bench warrant for his arrest.
Nichols was hired by a Guilderland homeowner in spring 2023 to renovate two bathrooms, a kitchen, and a deck. While he began demolition, none of the renovations were completed. Authorities said Nichols manipulated the homeowner by citing rising construction costs and convinced her to provide additional funds. He also fraudulently used her credit card to buy a $10,000 ring instead of building supplies.
Further investigation revealed that Nichols had been operating under multiple aliases, including “Carmine Galen” and “Carmelo Galentino.” In addition to his prison sentence, Judge Marcelle ordered Nichols to pay $84,000 in restitution to the victim.
The homeowner and her daughter gave emotional victim impact statements before sentencing, highlighting the personal and financial toll of the fraud.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Williams Andrews, with support from Trial Assistant Ashley Rizzo.
