One killed, two injured in Bell Township house fire

One person died and two others were injured following a house fire in Bell Township, Westmoreland County on Monday.

The fire was at a home along Route 286.

The coroner confirmed 52-year-old Frank Zanavich died following the fire.

Neighbors told Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 that Zanavich lived in the home with his brother and elderly father. Two other people in the home were injured.

Source: One killed, two injured in Bell Township house fire

Woman accused of fleeing police, driving 130+ mph on Route 119 in Westmoreland County – WPXI

GREENSBURG, Pa. — A woman who fled police at speeds exceeding 130 mph on Route 119 faces multiple charges and will appear before a judge next month.

According to our partners at TribLive.com, 44-year-old Roxanna Varriano of Jeannette was charged with illegally operating a vehicle without an ignition interlock device, illegal possession of marijuana, failing to use a seat belt and other charges after the incident in East Huntingdon.

State police said a trooper was patrolling the area around 12:30 p.m. Dec. 7 when Varriano flew past his patrol vehicle. The trooper said in court documents that Varriano’s 2020 Camaro was going more than 130 mph before she pulled off the road. The posted speed limit in the area is 65 mph.

Source: Woman accused of fleeing police, driving 130+ mph on Route 119 in Westmoreland County

Woman accused of coughing on employees, bottles inside Westmoreland County liquor store

Rostraver, Pa. — A woman from Westmoreland County was facing charges after police said she coughed on bottles and employees at a Rostraver liquor store.

Leona Warman, 69, of West Newton, walked into the store on Dec. 9, pulled down her mask, and yelled, “I have COVID-19,” according to court documents obtained by our news partners at TribLIVE.com. She’s accused of then coughing on or near four store employees and touching around 300 bottles.

Employees called police, who arrested Warman in the store, according to TribLIVE.com.The bottles had to be removed from the store, causing a more than $5,000 loss, according to court documents.Warman is facing several charges, including reckless endangerment and violating a state health order aimed at controlling the spread of coronavirus.She has a preliminary hearing scheduled, March 8.

Source: Woman accused of coughing on employees, bottles inside Westmoreland County liquor store

Man hit, killed by public works truck out clearing roads in North Versailles

NORTH VERSAILLES, Pa. — A man was hit and killed by a North Versailles Public Works plow truck that was out clearing snow-covered roads on Wednesday afternoon.

According to investigators, County 911 was called just before 5 p.m. for a vehicle versus pedestrian accident in the 100 block of Union Avenue. Police said the man was walking with a snow blower when the plow truck was backing up the street.

The victim was pronounced dead at the scene, and homicide detectives are investigating.

The victim’s identity has not yet been released.

Source: Man hit, killed by public works truck out clearing roads in North Versailles

Westmoreland Commissioner Gina Cerilli tests positive for covid-19 | TribLIVE.com

Westmoreland County Commissioner Gina Cerilli has tested positive for covid-19, county officials said Tuesday.

Cerilli informed the county of her positive test results Tuesday and is following isolation recommendations

Cerilli told the Tribune-Review Tuesday was the second day she experienced symptoms including a “terrible headache” and an elevated temperature. She said she immediately got tested after developing the symptoms and learned of her positive result on Tuesday.

She said she’s been drinking plenty of fluids and will seek medical attention if needed.

Source: Westmoreland Commissioner Gina Cerilli tests positive for covid-19 | TribLIVE.com

69-year-old man killed in ATV crash in Westmoreland County

ST. CLAIR TOWNSHIP, Pa. —A 69-year-old man was killed in an ATV crash in St. Clair Township, Westmoreland County on Wednesday morning.

The crash happened around 11:55 a.m. on Robb Run Road.

State police said Joseph Bucceri of New Florence was headed north when he lost control of the ATV and it flipped on the roadway.Bucceri was pronounced dead at the scene.

State police said the investigation is ongoing.

Source: 69-year-old man killed in ATV crash in Westmoreland County

1 arrested in robbery, 1 injured, at Derry Borough home | TribLIVE.com

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A Derry Borough man was hospitalized after police said he was hit in the head with a tire iron during a robbery at his home Friday.

The man told borough police that five people broke into his Hays Street home around 7 p.m. but the only one he could identify was Robert E. Coffren, 29, of Derry.

Coffren is charged with robbery, aggravated assault, theft, burglary, receiving stolen property and related offenses. He was jailed Saturday on $100,000 bail.

Source: 1 arrested in robbery, 1 injured, at Derry Borough home | TribLIVE.com

Pittsburgh Weather: Wintry Conditions, 1-2″ Of Snow Expected – CBS Pittsburgh

From midnight and through the day Tuesday, we will have snow showers leaving many with 1-2″ and areas north of I-80 and along the ridges picking up around 3″ of snow.

(Photo Credit: KDKA Weather Center)

Our highs will struggle to make it to 40 degrees on Tuesday.

For the rest of the week, it’ll be cold with lows in the upper 20’s and highs in the low 40’s.

(Photo Credit: KDKA Weather Center)

Our next round of rain and snow is possible late Thursday and through the day Friday.

WEATHER LINKS:
Current Conditions | School Delays & Closings | Local Radar | Weather App | Photos
Stay up to date with the KDKA app, which you can download here.

Source: Pittsburgh Weather: Wintry Conditions, 1-2″ Of Snow Expected – CBS Pittsburgh

Greensburg man gets 2 years in jail for setting his house on fire | TribLIVE.com

A Greensburg man pleaded guilty Monday to setting his house on fire.

Jeremiah N. Morgan, 41, was sentenced to spend up to two years, less a day, in the Westmoreland County Prison followed by five years of probation.

Morgan said he pleaded guilty to “get into treatment and get my life back together.” He was ordered to complete a drug and alcohol evaluation and be paroled directly to a treatment facility.

Source: Greensburg man gets 2 years in jail for setting his house on fire | TribLIVE.com

Military plane dumps fuel over Westmoreland County en route to emergency stop at Pittsburgh airport | TribLIVE.com

A Pennsylvania Air National Guard refueling plane forced to make an emergency return to Pittsburgh International Airport on Saturday morning dumped fuel over the Jeannette-Penn Township-North Huntingdon and Manor areas, according to the Westmoreland County Department of Public Safety and state Air National Guard.

The KC-135 Stratosphere was forced to turn around shortly after takeoff at 6:40 a.m. from Pittsburgh International Airport, said Senior Master Sgt. Shawn Monk, a spokesman for the National Guard’s 171st Air Refueling Wing. The plane landed safely at the airport, Monk said.

The refueling plane, which Monk described as “basically a flying gas station,” had to dump the fuel to safely land. The nature of the emergency is under investigation, Monk said.

The Air National Guard is investigating the incident, Monk said. The Federal Aviation Administration also is involved in the probe, according to the county public safety department.

A kerosene-type odor was reported by residents reported to the county’s emergency dispatching center about 8 a.m., which prompted the emergency center to dispatch fire departments in those communities, the public safety department said.

Source: Military plane dumps fuel over Westmoreland County en route to emergency stop at Pittsburgh airport | TribLIVE.com

Coroner IDs woman killed in Trafford car crash | TribLIVE.com

Elizabeth E. Hufnagel, 87, was pronounced dead on the scene by Deputy Coroner Steven Grabiak.

According to the coroner’s report, Hufnagel was the passenger of a 2018 Subaru Legacy that was traveling south on Belleau Wood Boulevard around 5:40 p.m. Wednesday. According to the report, the vehicle left the roadway, traveled through a yard and collided with a tree.

The condition of the driver, who was not identified, was not provided.

Source: Coroner IDs woman killed in Trafford car crash | TribLIVE.com

12 staff members at Westmoreland Manor test positive for coronavirus | TribLIVE.com

Since Sept. 19, the number of residents testing positive stands at 152; the number of staff with positive test results has reached 60, according to Assistant Administrator Abby Testa. Six residents have died of covid-19 since the onset of the pandemic.

Westmoreland County set a new daily record for cases on Wednesday, when 273 new coronavirus cases were added. In the past 15 days, the county has seen more covid cases (2,728) than all of October and September combined (2,657).

The county saw another seven covid-related deaths added on Wednesday — setting a new record seven-day total of 41 deaths. To date, Westmoreland has seen 179 fatalities because of the coronavirus.

Source: 12 staff members at Westmoreland Manor test positive for coronavirus | TribLIVE.com

Live! Casino Pittsburgh Holds Grand Opening, Opens To The Public For First Time – CBS Pittsburgh

HEMPFIELD TOWNSHIP (KDKA) — After months of construction and planning, Live! Casino Pittsburgh at Westmoreland Mall will open to the public today.That project has brought a lot of jobs to the area and opening in the middle of a pandemic is no easy feat.The casino will hold its grand opening on Tuesday morning, not too much longer before those doors open and people get to press their luck.
With the casino opening during the Coronavirus pandemic, safety measures will be in place.There will be mask requirements, temperature checks, physical distancing, and repeated cleaning of high-traffic areas, slot machines, and table games.

Source: Live! Casino Pittsburgh Holds Grand Opening, Opens To The Public For First Time – CBS Pittsburgh

2 men charged with hindering investigation of Jeannette double shooting | TribLIVE.com

Two Westmoreland County men are charged with hindering apprehension and obstruction of justice for helping a Jeannette teenager dispose of two handguns after he allegedly shot and wounded two men last month.

Khalil L. Myers, 16, was arrested hours after the shootings at 4:46 p.m. Oct. 20 inside a house at 307 S. Third St. by Jeannette police and county detectives. He is charged as an adult with multiple criminal charges including two counts of attempted homicide.

On Thursday, city police charged Elijah S. Vento, 24, of Irwin, and Cedric M. Ward, 44, of Jeannette, for hiding evidence after the shooting and obstructing the investigation. Police allege Vento “disposed” of two handguns Myers possessed at the time of the shooting.

According to court documents, investigators spoke with both Vento and Ward at a home in the 300 block of North Pennsylvania Avenue in Greensburg, where they found Myers had fled after the shooting that wounded Austin Mathias, 19, of Crabtree, and Anthony Bittinger, 21, of Greensburg. Both Mathias and Bittinger were treated at Forbes Regional Hospital in Monroeville for their wounds.

Source: 2 men charged with hindering investigation of Jeannette double shooting | TribLIVE.com

Diocese of Greensburg to televise Christmas Masses | TribLIVE.com

The Diocese of Greensburg will televise Christmas Masses this season in addition to holding in-person services, to engage parishioners at home amid concern over a strong resurgence in coronavirus cases throughout the region.

“The Diocese and its parishes have consistently had thousands of faithful viewers watch our streaming Masses from their computers, tablets and smart televisions for many months now,” said Monsignor Larry Kulick.

The diocese streams Masses on its website, Facebook page and YouTube channel, and Christmas Vigil and Christmas Day Masses will premiere on those outlets as well, but it will also be broadcast on the Pittsburgh Cable News Channel.

A Christmas Vigil at Greensburg’s Blessed Sacrament Cathedral will be broadcast at 2 p.m., Dec. 24. Kulick will celebrate a 10 a.m. Mass on Christmas Day.

The diocese began reopening for in-person services on June 1. Kulick said 50 of 78 parishes in the diocese now stream Mass services, “however there are still many in our community who cannot access the internet … I hope these televised Masses will provide an opportunity for us to engage individuals and families celebrating the birth of Jesus with them in their own homes.”

In the past 30 days, Westmoreland County has seen its worst surge in coronavirus cases since the start of the pandemic.

The county added 187 cases Sunday and 167 on Monday. Of those, were confirmed through PCR tests.

Source: Diocese of Greensburg to televise Christmas Masses | TribLIVE.com

Monessen woman shot, flown to Pittsburgh hospital for treatment | TribLIVE.com

METRO CREATIVE
A Monessen woman was taken to a Pittsburgh hospital by medical helicopter on Tuesday night for treatment of a gunshot wound, according to Monessen police.

The shooting happened at about 9:30 p.m. near the intersection of Summit Avenue and Sixth Street.

The woman was in critical condition when she was taken to Allegheny General Hospital in the North Side. Her condition has been upgraded stable, officials said Wednesday morning.

The front yard of a home in the 600 block of Summit was cordoned off with police tape and a black SUV was towed from the scene, police said.

The woman was not identified and no information was available about what may have led to the shooting.

The incident is being investigated by Monessen police and Westmoreland County detectives.

Source: Monessen woman shot, flown to Pittsburgh hospital for treatment | TribLIVE.com

Westmoreland County Commissioner: Election Workers Counting Ballots Are Quitting Because Others Aren’t Wearing Masks Properly – CBS Pittsburgh

GREENSBURG, Pa. (KDKA) – The counting of provisional ballots in Westmoreland County continues. However, the number of people counting is dwindling down as COVID-19 concerns have some election bureau volunteers deciding to stay home for their own health.

“It’s the sheer volume,” said County Commissioner Gina Cerilli. “We have 3,600 provisionals, we’ve never had that many provisionals.”

County Commissioner Cerilli addressed the important task of counting those votes that are still facing the county election board volunteer workers Friday.

“They’re trying the best they can,” said Cerilli.

The best efforts of these volunteers are also challenged by the COVID infection numbers breaking records for the county.

“We started out with 28 provisional board appointees. A lot of them have quit because of COVID,” said Cerilli.

According to county officials, two employees and two volunteers have contracted the potentially-deadly disease with others awaiting test results. Cerilli tells KDKA many of those quitting are walking away simply because others are not taking necessary precautions to stop the spread.

“They’ve quit because their fellow appointees will not wear masks properly and I don’t blame them one bit,” said Cerilli.

As COVID takes its toll, the clock is ticking. The county has just 10 days to certify the election’s result.

“We are low on staff. We added additional appointees to get us through next week, but we’ll see if that’s enough,” said Cerilli.

Source: Westmoreland County Commissioner: Election Workers Counting Ballots Are Quitting Because Others Aren’t Wearing Masks Properly – CBS Pittsburgh

Hempfield man accused of stealing Rostraver woman’s coin collection | TribLIVE.com

A Westmoreland County carpet installer is charged with stealing a Rostraver customer’s coin collection valued at more than $1,000 while working in her home last month.

Curtis Burkholder, 51, of Hempfield, is charged with theft and receiving stolen property by township police in connection with the theft that allegedly occurred when he was installing carpeting in a residence on the 1100 block of Willowbrook Drive on Oct. 2.

The female victim told Rostraver police Sgt. Kerry August that she had been saving spare coins for years in two “large animal cracker containers” stored in her walk-in closet. She told August the containers held more than $1,000 in coins.

She noticed both containers were empty after the carpet was replaced and repeatedly telephoned Burkholder. She said Burkholder did not return her telephone calls.

The victim then telephoned a co-worker of Burkholder’s who admitted seeing him with a large amount of coins at his residence shortly after completing the work. August reported that the co-worker said he would have Burkholder return the currency.

According to August, a short time after making the complaint, the victim received $20 in coins in a small plastic bag.

August reported in court documents that Burkholder has not responded to repeated telephone inquiries about the theft.

According to court dockets, in 2008 a complaint of theft by unlawful taking filed by Greensburg police was dismissed against Burkholder after an agreement was reached that he would pay $1,600 restitution. Court records indicate that Burkholder made only one $200 payment and still owes $1,400 that is more than 11 years overdue.

Source: Hempfield man accused of stealing Rostraver woman’s coin collection | TribLIVE.com

2 men arrested in Southwest Greensburg on illegal gun charges | TribLIVE.com

Two men are being held without bond in the Westmoreland County Prison on weapons violations after police said they were found illegally in possession of guns in a Southwest Greensburg home.

Jamie Rayques Espy, 32, of Southwest Greensburg, and Kyra Malik Seifullah, 21, of Warren, Ohio, were charged this week with unlawful possession of a firearm and carrying an unlicensed gun.

Jeannette police on Tuesday investigating an armed robbery and home invasion spotted a Dodge Charger matching the suspect vehicle’s description parked outside a Mt. Pleasant Street home in Southwest Greensburg, according to court papers.

A man, identified as Seifullah, and woman walked outside the house and immediately turned away after seeing officers near the car, police said. They claimed to have just arrived in town to visit family, but Greensburg police reported seeing the man at that location recently.

Investigators got a search warrant for the home and returned later to find Espy and a woman in the basement. Authorities found drug paraphernalia and two loaded handguns in the basement, as well as ammunition and digital scales elsewhere, according to court papers. Seifullah told investigators he recently got a gun from a friend in Ohio.

Both Espy and Seifullah are convicted felons and prohibited from having a firearm, police said.

Source: 2 men arrested in Southwest Greensburg on illegal gun charges | TribLIVE.com

Westmoreland County sees 2nd-highest report of new coronavirus cases | TribLIVE.com

The new cases — 89 confirmed and 49 probable — bring the county’s total to 5,431, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

The county’s previous of 148 was set on Oct. 15. It’s also the second straight day with more than 100 new cases.

Six new deaths were reported, bringing the county’s total to 129. It’s the third time the county’s high of six deaths has been reported, following May 18 and Oct. 29. The county’s death rate per 100,000 people rose from 35.1 to 36.8.

Wednesday’s PCR test positivity rate — the percentage of PCR tests that come back positive — in Westmoreland County was 19.78%.

Source: Westmoreland County sees 2nd-highest report of new coronavirus cases | TribLIVE.com

State troopers seeking identity of suspected burglar at Dairy Queen in Hempfield | TribLIVE.com

State police in Greensburg are trying to identify a man who recently broke into the exterior coolers at Shrader’s Dairy Queen along College Avenue in Hempfield and made off with multiple food items.

Police released a still photograph taken of the accused thief carrying multiple items away from the establishment at 1244 College Avenue, near Jeannette, at 4:30 a.m. Oct. 17.

The suspect appeared to be wearing a camouflaged hooded sweatshirt as he carried multiple items away from the ice cream parlor and restaurant. The photograph was obtained from a security video camera, troopers said.

Anyone with information on the suspect can telephone state police at 724-832-3288.

Source: State troopers seeking identity of suspected burglar at Dairy Queen in Hempfield | TribLIVE.com

PBR Country Bar is slated to open at Live! Casino Pittsburgh in Westmoreland County – Pittsburgh Business Times

The Cordish Companies, owners of Live! Casino Pittsburgh, announced a new tenant to occupy its latest dining and entertainment experience on the second floor of its 100,000-square-foot facility in Westmoreland County.

PBR Country Bar – PBR Pittsburgh, a venue from the Professional Bull Riders, will officially open at the casino next year and will feature a mechanical riding bull, private VIP booths and “the best in country music.” According to the Cordish Companies, PBR Country Bar will offer an authentic country experience to visitors while combining what it calls “cowboy cool” and “big-time entertainment.”

“Branded sports bars are a very difficult concept to sustain, yet 12 years after opening the first PBR Country Bar, our concept is still expanding thanks to an extraordinary partnership with The Cordish Companies,” PBR Commissioner Sean Gleason said in a statement. “We are thrilled to open PBR Pittsburgh at Live! Casino to entertain guests safely and introduce them to the fun-loving PBR brand.”

Source: PBR Country Bar is slated to open at Live! Casino Pittsburgh in Westmoreland County – Pittsburgh Business Times

Jeannette man held without bond on drug charges | TribLIVE.com

A Jeannette man was arraigned Thursday after police reported finding a large amount of cocaine and a drug packaging station in a house where he lived, according to court papers.

Michael Anthony Dewberry, 33, was being held in the Westmoreland County Prison without bond.

Agents from the state attorney general’s office and members of the Western Pennsylvania Fugitive Task Force served a search warrant at a South Seventh Street home on Oct. 19. Police said Dewberry was wanted on several arrest warrants and a narcotics investigation led authorities to the Jeannette home.

Inside, police said they found Dewberry, three other adults and four children. A large amount of cocaine was found separated into five bags in a bedroom chest of drawers that appeared to contain items belonging to Dewberry, according to court papers.

About $4,500 was found in another drawer, police said.

In the basement, authorities found a work bench and microwave that appeared to be used in packaging drugs, according to court papers.

“No food items were located in or near the microwave that would have indicated that it was used for cooking food items,” Agent Jerry Vernail wrote in the complaint.

Police said a white powder residue was found on the microwave’s turntable and on measuring cups, strainers and digital scales. A pistol was wrapped in a rag in a drawer on the work bench, according to court papers.

Source: Jeannette man held without bond on drug charges | TribLIVE.com

Coroner called to scene of Westmoreland County fire

Fire broke out early Monday morning

The coroner has been called to the scene of a fire in Mount Pleasant Township, Westmoreland County.

Westmoreland County 911 officials initially said at least one person was trapped after the fire broke out on Monday morning.

Emergency responders were called to the scene.

The fire marshal is investigating.

Source: Coroner called to scene of Westmoreland County fire

Report of man with gun leads to delay for one nearby school in Hempfield Township

A report of a man with a gun led to a school delay in Hempfield Township, Westmoreland County.

Hempfield Township school superintendent Dr. Tammy Wolicki said police were in the area of McCabe Drive.

A middle school bus was diverted and the start of classes at Maxwell Elementary School was delayed until 10 a.m., with children asked not to arrive until 9:30 a.m. at the earliest.

Source: Report of man with gun leads to delay for one nearby school in Hempfield Township

Police: Suspected Prostitute High On Meth Stabs And Beats Westmoreland Co. Man Over Money – CBS Pittsburgh

Police say an alleged prostitute high on meth stabbed and beat a 76-year-old man in Westmoreland County over money.

NEW KENSINGTON, Pa. (KDKA) — Police say an alleged prostitute high on meth stabbed and beat a 76-year-old man in Westmoreland County over money.

What ended with the man running from an Oklahoma Township apartment, bleeding heavily, began when investigators say the victim allegedly met 33-year-old Audra Lynn DiVittorio in New Kensington.

“They decided that for an exchange of $26, there was going to be some kind of sexual activity,” state trooper Stephen Limani said.

Source: Police: Suspected Prostitute High On Meth Stabs And Beats Westmoreland Co. Man Over Money – CBS Pittsburgh

Driver injured after car crashes into Delmont chiropractic office | TribLIVE.com

Delmont VFD Chief Don Cline said a female driver on Route 66 hit a pick-up truck, jumped the guardrail at the Greensburg Street intersection and crashed through the front of Edwards Family Chiropractic, which shares a small shopping plaza with Fox’s Pizza.

Source: Driver injured after car crashes into Delmont chiropractic office | TribLIVE.com

Westmoreland commissioner claims county pay raises result of political threat | TribLIVE.com

Acting as the county’s salary board, Republican commissioners Sean Kertes and Doug Chew, along with Republican Controller Jeff Balzer, approved the financial package for the auditors. It’s a move Balzer said was needed to retain a quality staff and was recommended by the county’s human resources department.

Gina Cerilli, a second-term Democrat, claimed Balzer threatened to shutter his auditing department and hire outside staff to complete those mandated functions should the proposed raises be rejected.

Balzer denied that a threat was made but conceded that during a private meeting last week he suggested that the hiring of an outside firm to perform the county’s routine auditing would be costly.

“It was a talking point and I don’t have the authority to do that,” Balzer said. “Once again, she’s exposed her inexperience in government and claims she knows everything.”

Kertes and Chew, first-term Republicans, supported the raises and said they were cheaper than hiring private auditors.

Source: Westmoreland commissioner claims county pay raises result of political threat | TribLIVE.com

Westmoreland elections officials: ‘Number of residents’ have not received mail-in, absentee ballots | TribLIVE.com

While nearly 50,000 mail-in ballots from Westmoreland voters have been returned to the county’s Election Bureau, a number of residents have not received either the mail-in or absentee ballot they requested.

• If you have applied prior to the deadline of 5 p.m. Tuesday, come to the Election Bureau in Greensburg where the original ballot will be voided and a new ballot will be issued. Ballots can be completed immediately or at home and returned by mail, in-person or at a drop box.

Source: Westmoreland elections officials: ‘Number of residents’ have not received mail-in, absentee ballots | TribLIVE.com

Contractor Accused Of Taking More Than $38,000 And Not Finishing Job In Westmoreland Co. – CBS Pittsburgh

WESTMORELAND COUNTY, Pa. (KDKA) — A local contractor is accused of taking more than $38,000 for a construction job and never completing the work.

The alleged victim in the case says contractor Frank John Pasquarelli was hired to remodel a house on Home Drive in Penn Township.

“I hired him, we started off doing a step-by-step job,” said the homeowner.

The home’s owner, whom KDKA is identifying as Jeff at his request, said he gave Pasquarelli more than $38,000 in cash and checks to do the job, a claim backed by investigators.

“He claimed this was right up his ally,” Jeff said. “He’s built homes from the ground up. … He and his crew started off fine.”

Three months after the project began during the summer of last year, things went south quickly.

“I made the mistake of trusting him,” Jeff said.

The homeowner says he traveled out of state while Pasquarelli was supposed to be working on the house. He says that did not happen, and Pasquarelli did nothing, with the home sitting incomplete for months.

Pasquarelli allegedly blamed an electrician and then he stopped answering Jeff’s calls. So Jeff called the Penn Township Police Department.

Investigators obtained Pasquarelli’s bank account via search warrant. According to court records, Pasquarelli deposited Jeff’s $18,000, plus $20,000 more, into an account that he set up in his wife’s name and started spending, including just over $1,000 for an Ocean City, Maryland trip. After the trip and some spending, the account was drained to $3.58.

When police tried to contact Pasquarelli, they couldn’t and when they finally did, he said he’d call them back. He never did.

Pasquarelli, of Monroeville, faces multiple felony counts, including home improvement fraud. This isn’t the first time he’s been brought up on these charges. Pasquarelli faces a preliminary hearing on home improvement fraud in Allegheny County.

KDKA’s attempts to contact Pasquarelli were unsuccessful.

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