Former Latrobe Mayor Facing Felony Theft Charges

The former mayor of Latrobe was in court, facing a district judge on felony theft charges.

Tom Marflak turned himself in just before noon on Thursday. Marflak is accused of stealing thousands of dollars from his former employer.

"I've had better days," said Marflak after his hearing.

Marflak reopened the landmark Mountain View Inn earlier this year. Before then, he was the general manager at Latrobe's Wingate Inn. The owners of the Wingate Inn said Marflak stole nearly $70,000 between 2007 and 2009.

"We take the position that there was no intent. Bad bookkeeping. If that's what occurred, it is not a crime and we were willing to sit down and reconcile that. But because he opened a competing hotel, nobody else wanted to reconcile," said Marflak's attorney Scott Avolio. "I think he's being singled out, utilized as competition to try to drag his good name down."

The two hotels sit only four miles apart on Route 30.

The judge called the allegations "serious" and said the maximum penalty is up to seven years in jail for the charge.

Marflak is scheduled to appear in court on Oct. 4 for a preliminary hearing.

In 2005, Marflak became the first Republican mayor of Latrobe in 40 years. His term ended in January.

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