AVALON SOUTH Manager of utility quits over bills issue

The golf course owner was under the impression that Ohio Edison had authorized the discount, an attorney says.
By PEGGY SINKOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- Ohio Edison's regional manager has resigned in the wake of accusations that he traded discounted electricity for golf clubs.
Greg Petrasek, Warren area manager, resigned last Friday, said Ellen Raines, an Ohio Edison spokeswoman.
FBI agents have been questioning city officials and Tony Joy, operator of the city-owned Avalon South Golf Course, about the electrical bills, said Atty. Maridee Costanzo, an attorney representing Joy.
She noted that her client, who has operated the golf course since 1989, is cooperating with the FBI.
Joy declined to comment and referred all questions to his attorneys, Costanzo and Richard Schwartz.
"Mr. Joy was under the impression, at the time, that Ohio Edison authorized the discount," Schwartz said.
No criminal charges have been filed.
Knew of allegations
Raines said officials were aware of the allegations that Petrasek gave Joy discounted electrical bills in 1999 in exchange for numerous golf clubs that went to Dave Robison, a city building official.
"We cannot comment on the allegations, but we are doing our own investigation," Raines said. "This is not the way we operate. Any activity like this is a serious departure from how we operate."
Petrasek could not be reached to comment.
"Mr. Petrasek did resign effective last Friday and it was amicable," said Atty. Dick Lillie, who represents Petrasek. "We, ourselves, are doing our own investigation into the matter."
He declined to answer any specific questions about the allegations.
Robison said he had bought numerous golf clubs from Joy and usually paid cash. When asked if he was aware of the allegations that Petrasek traded the discounted electric for $3,000 worth of golf clubs, Robison said he "could not comment."
Schwartz and Costanzo also declined to say how much discounted electricity Joy received.
Costanzo said her client is scheduled to testify in front of a federal grand jury soon.
The grand jury convened last month and began hearing testimony concerning, among other things, construction of a clubhouse at the course, officials said.
Costanzo said the FBI also has discussed with Joy loans he got to build the clubhouse.
sinkovich@vindy.com