Niles fires worker who stole $97K

NILES — Michael Marrara, 59, of Sayers Avenue, who pleaded guilty Nov. 25 to stealing $97,000 from Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Niles, was terminated from his job as a sewer maintenance worker.

His termination letter from Mayor Ralph Infante, effective immediately Monday afternoon, said Marrara was being fired for pleading guilty to a felony charge in relation to the church thefts.

The letter cited a city ordinance that says any city employee charged with or indicted on a felony or charged with acts of malfeasance, misfeasance or nonfeasance can be suspended with or without pay pending the outcome of criminal proceedings.

Marrara is likely to be sentenced within a few weeks by a common pleas court judge. He could get up to 18 months in prison.

For the complete story, read Friday's Vindicator and Vindy.com