Bus operator ordered to pay $90,000 for trips

A state judge on Tuesday ordered a Washington County bus tour operator who charged senior citizens for road trips that never materialized to pay nearly $90,000 in restitution and fines.

Commonwealth Court Judge Daniel Pellegrini ordered John J. Butka, 43, of Cecil, to pay $84,000 in restitution to 162 victims and $4,500 in fines. In addition, Pellegrini barred Butka's tour company, Friendly Folks Tours & Travel, of Canonsburg, from doing business in the state.

Butka and his attorney, James Marchewka, left the courtroom in the Frick Building, Downtown, without commenting.

Beverly Fassinger, 75, who lost $300 for a trip to New York that didn't happen, said she was happy with the ruling. "We tried to cancel our tour after Sept. 11, but they would never call us back. Nothing happened until now."

Friendly Folks sold tour packages to mostly elderly people to New York City, country music mecca Branson, Mo., and other destinations. From September to December of last year, the company arranged and took payment for several tours but went out of business in October without delivering the trips, state Senior Deputy Attorney General Marcia Telek DePaula said.

DePaula said the victims lost anywhere from $200 to $1,000. She said the 162 victims would get back every penny they lost.

Butka also faces criminal charges of theft by deception and theft by unlawful taking in Washington County, DePaula said.

Friendly Folks victims who lost money have 30 days to contact the Pennsylvania Bureau of Consumer Protection office in Pittsburgh in order to join the state's civil lawsuit and receive reimbursements. The number is (412) 565-5135.