Attorney General's News Release

October 6, 2010

Former St. Francois County Commissioner pleads guilty to felony stealing --receives seven-year prison sentence under Chapter 559--

Jefferson City, Mo. - Attorney General Chris Koster said today that Ronald Varvera, a former St. Francois County Commissioner, has pled guilty to felony stealing charges following an investigation and prosecution by the Missouri Attorney General's office.

Koster said Mr. Varvera was charged with misappropriating county property between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2008. The property included truck tires, tractor tires, gravel, gasoline and diesel fuel, water tanks, a wood-burning stove, labor services of county employees working on county time, use of county equipment, and mileage reimbursement.

St. Francois County Circuit Judge Kenneth Pratte sentenced Mr. Varvera to 7 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections. Under the provisions of Chapter 559, RSMo, the judge will review the sentence after 120 days, and Mr. Varvera may be released on probation. If released on probation, Mr. Varvera will be required to pay restitution to the county, but the amount has not yet been determined.