ST. CLAIRSVILLE — While investigating the double murder of a Belmont couple, detectives allegedly uncovered a plot by two Bellaire residents to blackmail one of the victims.

On Monday, Belmont County Sheriff David Lucas announced the arrests of 31-year-old Anthony Michael Dibacco and 25-year-old Miana Maylyn Smith, both of Guernsey Street in Bellaire. The two are charged with extortion after detectives linked them to an alleged plot to extort Thomas Strussion, the owner of two local Salsa Joe’s restaurants.

Strussion and his wife, Angela, were found dead in their home located along Trails End Drive outside of Belmont on Sept. 21 following the report of a structure fire there. The sheriff confirmed last week that the deaths were ruled a double homicide; however, information regarding the manner of the Strussions deaths has not yet been released.

Lucas said detectives uncovered the extortion plot amid the investigation into the homicides. He said a search warrant was served Sunday at a Guernsey Street address in Bellaire, where Dibacco and Smith were both arrested.

Lucas said it is early into the investigation and detectives are still working to determine if the blackmail plot is connected to the homicide.

“At this point we are unsure if this is related to the homicide, but the plot was uncovered so the arrest was made and possibly further charges will be made after the prosecutor reviews the case,” he said.

Dibacco and Smith are being held without bond at the Belmont County Jail.