Ballston Spa man arraigned on new charges after contracting scam conviction
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ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- A Ballston Spa man who skipped his February sentencing for defrauding a homeowner was arraigned on additional charges.
Following a two-month investigation by the Albany County District Attorney's Office's Criminal Investigation Unit, Chad Nichols, 47, was arrested by New York State Police on Tuesday at a Saratoga Springs hotel. The DA's Office said he's now facing a second-degree bail jumping charge.
Nichols pleaded guilty to second-degree grand larceny, fourth-degree grand larceny, and second-degree criminal impersonation in December 2024. Through his guilty plea, Nichols admitted to using a false identity to secure employment with a Guilderland homeowner for multiple home improvement projects. The DA's Office said Nichols began demolition work, but never finished the two bathroom, kitchen, and deck projects.
Nichols defrauded the homeowner out of over $84,000 in payments and credit card charges, which included a $10,000 credit card charge he used for a jewelry down payment, according to the DA's Office. He also claimed he needed money to pay bail charges for a fake drug arrest. Officials said when the homeowner confronted Nichols about the unfinished work, he threatened her several times.
An Albany County judge sentenced Nichols on February 13 to four and two-thirds to 14 years in state prison for the grand larceny and criminal impersonation charges. However, Nichols did not appear at sentencing and a bench warrant was issued for his arrest.
On Thursday, the judge vacated that sentence due to new allegations of Nichols defrauding and scamming more people. During the two-month search after his sentencing, Nichols allegedly used fake names to evade police, stayed at several local hotels, and defrauded another victim. Court officials said he's also accused of manipulating a clergy member to help him stay on the run.
After his arrest on Tuesday, Nichols was arraigned at Wilton Town Court for third-degree grand larceny. He was remanded to the Saratoga County Correctional Facility without bail before his arraignment in Albany County Court on Thursday.
Officials said homeowners should research thoroughly when hiring contractors and ensure that the person they hire has proof of insurance, references, and written contracts with a scheduled completion date. Nichols is scheduled to return to court on May 21.