VarVera case set for trial

Former St. Francois County Commissioner Ronald VarVera’s criminal case is set for trial next year.

VarVera, 61, of rural Farmington, is charged with stealing by deceit and stealing without consent. Each charge is alleging the theft of $500 to $25,000 from the county between Jan. 1, 2005 and Dec. 31, 2008.

On Friday, his trial was scheduled for Oct. 12-14 before Circuit Court Judge Kenneth W. Pratte.

The first charge alleges VarVera stole property and services including truck tires, tractor tires, gravel, gasoline, water tanks, a wood-burning stove, labor of county employees who were working on county time, towing services, usage of county equipment — all without the consent of the county.

The other charge alleges VarVera appropriated cash reimbursement for mileage from St. Francois County by representing the reports were accurate, when they were “false and not believed to be true by the defendant.”

He is being represented by John Pleban of St. Louis.