Swindler pleads guilty, faces up to 45 years

Looking pale after nearly 10 months in federal detention, a Rockland-based financial adviser accused of stealing at least $133 million from more than 400 investors pleaded guilty Friday to federal charges.

James Nicholson, 43, a Haverstraw native who lived a jet-set life from a multimillion-dollar mansion in Saddle River, N.J., faces a maximum of 45 years in prison when sentenced April 30 by U.S. District Court Judge Richard J. Sullivan.

As part of his plea agreement, Nicholson also faces at least $6 million in fines and possibly paying restitution to his investors. He will forfeit all his properties and his share in a jet airplane — financial investments topping $37 million...

LoHud: Swindler pleads guilty, faces up to 45 years