Felasco trial to be in Venango County

The treasurer was denied a motion to have all charges dismissed.
By LAURE CIOFFI
VINDICATOR PENNSYLVANIA BUREAU
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- Embattled Lawrence County Treasurer Gary Felasco will have to travel to Venango County to be tried on criminal charges.
Felasco asked last year that his trial on charges that he took more than $40,000 from his office for personal use be moved from Lawrence County because of publicity generated locally.
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court handed down an order Monday moving the trial to Franklin, Pa., in Venango County.
Felasco, 38, was arrested Sept. 7 and charged with theft, embezzlement, misapplication of entrusted property and two counts of violating the state Ethics Act.
Unhappy with change
Felasco referred all questions Wednesday to his attorney, James Ross of Beaver, Pa., but indicated he was not happy with the trial location. He said people living in Venango County have access to Pittsburgh television news stations. The Pittsburgh press covered Felasco's arrest.
Ross did not return telephone calls to comment.
Anthony Krastek, senior deputy attorney general handling the prosecution, said he was confident they would find a jury in Venango County.
"I thought we could find a jury in Lawrence County, too," he added.
Krastek said it's unclear when the trial will be held. Venango County officials will have to coordinate it with the attorneys and Senior Judge Michael Wherry of Mercer County, who is handling the case.
Felasco was denied his bid last month to have all charges dismissed under a writ of habeas corpus.
Krastek said there are no other issues pending that would hold up the trial.
Felasco is free on $25,000 bond.
cioffi@vindy.com