Image courtesy of Whitemarsh PD
A Flourtown man faces felony charges after police said he removed products from a local garden center without paying for them.
According to a police criminal complaint filed by the Whitemarsh Township Police Department, Peter Lutek, 64, of the unit block of Jones Avenue in Flourtown, stole multiple products from a Fort Washington retail store. Police said that, on Friday, Nov. 9, around 10:54 a.m., the police were contacted by Marano Gardens, located at 488 Bethlehem Pike in Fort Washington, for the report of a retail theft.
The owner, Joseph Marano, said that on the previous day, Nov. 8, around 6:28 p.m., a small sedan parked in the street directly across from his business, police said. A “tall white male” described as being in his 60s, exited the parked vehicle, and “crouched under the chain that was draped across the parking lot showing that the business was closed,” said the complaint.
Once inside the business’ lot, Lutek allegedly made multiple trips from the property, moving products into his car, police said. The merchandise was displayed on tables located on the opposite side of the parking lot, away from the street, said police.
In total, Lutek stole: two artificial berry wreaths (valued at $59.95 each) and four fall planters in 12-inch, clay-colored plastic pots (valued at $59.95 each), with the total value of the materials at $359.70, police said.
Police were able to identify Lutek, and visited his home to question his thefts, said the complaint. Lutek reportedly admitted to police of his own freewill that he had taken the items the night before, said police.
As Lutek had two previous convictions for retail theft, including one on March 28, 2013, and another Aug. 26, 2017, police charged Lutek with felony-grade retail theft by the taking of merchandise.
Lutek is schedule for a preliminary hearing on Jan. 15 at 10:45 a.m. before Magisterial District Judge Dara Nasatir.
All suspects and defendants are innocent until proven guilty. This story was compiled using public court records.
