A man is reportedly in custody over the disappearance of Victorian mother Karen Chetcuti.

Michael Cardamone, 48, was arrested in Ringwood this morning after detectives yesterday went to his home expecting to be able to speak to him about Karen Chetcuti’s disappearance, but he was not there.

Mr Cardamone told the Sunday Herald Sun on Friday that he saw Ms Chetcuti at 9.15pm on Tuesday, but insisted he was not involved in her disappearance.

Police search and rescue officers entered Ms Chetcuti’s Whorouly property at 10.30am today and are inspecting two wells on the sprawling property.

SES volunteers have conducted line searches around her hometown and have searched the Ovens River.

Michael Cardamone.Source:Supplied

Ms Chetcuti did not report for work on Wednesday morning and has not been seen since.

The 49-year-old’s burnt-out car was found in nearby Myrtleford on Thursday morning.

Police said yesterday they had confirmed a sighting of Ms Chetcuti at Wangaratta’s Aldi on Chisholm St between 5.12pm and 5.17pm on Tuesday.

And they also confirmed she was seen at the Whorouly Hotel that same evening, leaving about 7.20pm, but has not been seen or heard from since.

Mr Cardamone said he saw her after she left the pub.

Police examine Ms Chetcuti’s burnt out car.Source:Supplied

Ms Chetcuti is employed by the Rural City of Wangaratta and her colleagues are alarmed and concerned by her disappearance.

“Our thoughts are with Karen’s family and friends and the community of Whorouly as a whole at this very difficult time,” chief executive Brendan McGrath said. “Karen is a popular and valued member of staff.

“Karen is in her 20th year at the Rural City of Wangaratta and is very capable and skilled in her role as records co-ordinator, managing a small team in charge of recording council’s incoming and outgoing correspondence.

“She has an engaging personality and is a well-liked and respected co-worker.”

The Border Mail reported Ms Chetcuti, a mother to two teenagers, moved to the small North East Victorian town of Whorouly from Melbourne with her husband in the 90s.

They ran the Whorouly hotel before taking jobs at the council and later got a divorce.

She had just ended a relationship with another man around Christmas time, according to the Border Mail.

Ms Chetcuti, who also previously worked at Telstra, was described by a man in her neighbourhood as a “really nice girl”.

Fairfax Media reported Ms Chetcuti was on a range of committees and helped raise $20,000 to go towards the local football club.

A fresh photo of Ms Chetcuti’s car was released yesterday as police called anyone with information to get in touch. Detectives would like to speak to anyone who saw Ms Chetcuti or her red 2004 Citroen Sara, with registration XWC 149, any time after 7.20pm on Tuesday.

They would also like to speak to anyone who saw any suspicious activity in the area.

Ms Chetcuti’s home in Whorouly.Source:Supplied

Ms Chetcuti was reported missing on Wednesday night.Source:Herald Sun

Mr Cardamone stressed to the Sunday Herald Sun he had nothing to do with the disappearance of Ms Chetcuti.

“When I saw her she seemed happy,” he said.

His property shares a boundary with Ms Chetcuti’s home in Whorouly, 30km east of Wangaratta.

Investigators urge anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

david.hurley@news.com.au