Contractor Sentenced to Two Years Probation

A home contractor who unlawfully cashed a check and opened homeowners’ mail pleaded no contest Thursday and was sentenced to two years probation and ordered to pay restitution.

Timothy Albright, 62, of State College, is the owner of Northland Properties, LCC, and was hired as a general contractor to build a home in State College for two residents.

According to the district attorney’s office, the homeowners had “multiple disputes” with Albright about payment and construction. Because of this, a homeowner contacted the bank and asked that all future loan payments to Albright require his signature to be approved.

The district attorney’s office says that Albright opened the homeowners’ mail without permission and intercepted a check. Albright then demanded that the homeowners sign the check so Albright could access the money.

When the homeowners refused, Albright placed various signatures on the check anyway and received full payment from the bank.

“Homeowners should be secure in Centre County knowing they are dealing with reputable people,” said District Attorney Stacy Parks Miller in a statement.

“Tried and true tips are to ask for at least three references, make sure people do not have claims against them or criminal records, and research their licensing status before hiring them.”