If you have been victimized by Chad Nichols, please email 13investigates@wnyt.com.

Korinne Van Patten thought CJ Galentino was a friend. She believed he was going to fix up her Guilderland home.

Now she’s telling a court how he flipped her life upside down.

“Countless times he would say to me, ‘I swear to you in my mother’s eyes I will never screw you.’”

It turns out CJ Galentino is actually Chad Nichols – a con man who’s been convicted of six larcenies in 13 years. He also has several different alias names.

Nichols wiped out Van Patten’s entire savings and retirement funds in a contractor scam.

“Being a single mother has its financial strains, but you turned financial hardship into pure poverty. Where I once held family dinners, I am now asking my family to buy my groceries.”

Van Patten hired Nichols in 2023 to renovate two bathrooms, a kitchen, and a deck. He never finished any work and racked up $84,000 in payments and credit card charges.

Van Patten finally had her chance to confront Nichols in Albany County Court Thursday, but he wasn’t there.

Assistant District Attorney, Bill Andrews said Nichols won’t take responsibility.

“I did not think he wanted to be around and face the accountability that he was going to have. He had a choice. He knew he was supposed to be here.”

Judge Thomas Marcelle sentenced Nichols to one year up to 14 years on three charges he’ll serve at the same time, including grand larceny and criminal impersonation.

Judge Marcelle told the court that Nichols is a thief, a liar, and a manipulator.

“He preyed upon them for his own personal gratification.”

Nichols’ attorney says he has an adderall addiction and is apologetic for his actions.

A warrant has been issued for Nichols’s arrest.