By Chris Buckley

Published: Friday, January 4, 2013, 12:06 a.m.
Updated: Friday, January 4, 2013

Four Valley men are facing trial on charges alleging they stole $60,000 from a Charleroi home they were remodeling this past summer.

Jason F. Latchem, 43, of 523 Parente Blvd., Monessen; Robert W. Varner, 49, of 3 Latta Hollow Road, Roscoe; and Bryan Dale Presock, 32, of 1215 McKean Ave., Charleroi, were each ordered held for court with one count each of theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property, and criminal conspiracy.

Richard Luketich, 27, of 100 Binns Road, Fayette City, waived his right to a hearing on the same charges.

They are accused of keeping and spending the money they found in the 806 Meadow Ave. house.

According to an affidavit of probable cause, Donald Smaracheck, owner of Smaracheck Construction, told police on Aug. 23 that he was informed by his brother, Michael Smaracheck, that his crew — Latchem, Varner, Luketich and Presock — found the money while working in the attic. Donald Smaracheck purchased the property in February.

Donald Smaracheck told police Latchem acknowledged the crew found the money and split it four ways. According to the affidavit, Latchem said he spent his share on cocaine while one man purchased an all-terrain vehicle and another bought a truck.

The following day, Varner, Luketich and Latchem gave police written statements implicating themselves and each other, according to the affidavit.

Latchem told police he reported the money discovery to Donald Smaracheck, who said, “finder‘s keepers,” according to the affidavit. He told police Donald Smaracheck offered him “immunity” if he returned the money.

Luketich told police the men found a box containing $20, $50 and $100 bills totaling $60,000 on the second floor. They continued to work and after work went to Latchem's residence, where they split the money evenly, according to the affidavit.

Because Donald Smaracheck allegedly offered Latchem immunity, police decided to re-interview the suspects.

Luketich said Donald Smaracheck called him on Aug. 26 to meet. Luketich offered to give Smaracheck the Honda ATV he purchased for $7,100, according to the affidavit.

Luketich told police Varner threatened to shoot him if Luketich implicated Varner in taking the money.

Varner also was charged with terroristic threats and intimidation of witnesses. Police allege Varner contacted Luketich at home 5:24 p.m. Aug. 24 and told him that if he implicated Varner in the alleged June crime, it would be “his ass.” That charge was previously withdrawn.

Chris Buckley is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. He can be reached at 724-684-2642 or cbuckley@tribweb.com.

1. Belle Vernon’s Carol Aten Frow finalist for state Teacher of the Year honor
2. Donora physician, wife were victims of disaster
3. Monessen council, school board at odds over tax bills
4. Grief over fallen comrades leads Uniontown officer to compose ballad
5. Eight seek seats on Washington County bench
6. Monongahela Valley Hospital reaches out to first responders
7. Lignelli calls out Donora council candidate for flier
8. Monongahela benefit features dancing ‘stars’
9. Suspensions won’t hinder California police force
10. North Belle Vernon fills council seat, shuffles posts
11. Monessen changes property sale rules

There are currently no comments for this story.
Subscribe today! Click here for our subscription offers.