[outlaw]

Originally Posted by tuccillo

The difference is that cutting down these trees is illegal.

It's also illegal to speed. But most people do it frequently, and we usually don't throw them in jail. They pay a fine and everyone moves on.

[Challenger]

Originally Posted by naneiben

Possibly, but why look a gift horse in the mouth? They were offered a deal that involved making restitution. Let them make full restitution and let's move on. I'm happy that their conscience finally got the best of them.

Ahhhhh1 We paid $30,000 fine, replanted trees $ ???, and will pay for annual progress inspections and remediation $ ???. Some on these threads have estimated that CDDs will suffer costs approaching $75-$100,000.

Why would we give rather affluents criminals a hugh discounr and then not prosecute. In my opinion, the money is not the main issue here, It is the act and some degree of appropriate punishment, apology and disclosure of names of those involved.

About the same treatment indigent folks get for public drunkeness.

[Challenger]

Originally Posted by outlaw

It's also illegal to speed. But most people do it frequently, and we usually don't throw them in jail. They pay a fine and everyone moves on.

And their public record is noted and name is most likely published in media.

[rubicon]

I think the crime deserves public ridicule and the perpetrators should be branded with a scartlett T for the unlawful act of cutting them down.

I also wonder who the Friends of Bridgeport Lake Miona are ? I mean all we have is an article that says this group via an attorney submitted a check to pay for the value of the tree . How do we know it isn't a slight of hand by the SLCCD to shut people up? Who is paying for the other costs and expenses attributed to this crime?

On the serious side it does appear that those charged with bringing the perpetrators to justice split the baby to have done with it but justice demands that the perpetrators man up and pay all damages attributed to their illegal actions. No justice no peace.

[tuccillo]

Speeding isn't usually a felony. As someone pointed out already, cutting down the tree may carry a potential jail time punishment. Trying to equate a simple speeding ticket with what happened with the trees is pointless.

Originally Posted by outlaw

It's also illegal to speed. But most people do it frequently, and we usually don't throw them in jail. They pay a fine and everyone moves on.

[dolpterry]

Wonder if there's a Friends of Lake Deaton also, trees have been cut in the back of 3 houses there also. This will be the next big story.

[manaboutown]

Translation: Friends of Lake Miona = felons who cut down the trees and hope to remain cowardly anonymous and get off on the cheap.

[rubicon]

Originally Posted by dolpterry

Wonder if there's a Friends of Lake Deaton also, trees have been cut in the back of 3 houses there also. This will be the next big story.

How does that song from Grease go????????? Tell me more tell me more ..............

[Topspinmo]

If I lived in million dollar plus village I would be embarrassed and want this to go away. IMO just cause they (if it was the one that paid for the unauthorized tree removal) got lawyer and paid part of the damages and after math Don't mean they escape felony charge. If this happens what does it say for our judicial system? Money talks and bullshyt walks. At the end of the trail IMO it's all about the money.

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by NavyNJ

Yeah, I did find and re-read that article regarding CDD5 deciding to not prosecute. And although it did mention that Dist. Mgr. Tutt inquired with the local State Attorney's Office on the matter of deciding to pursue prosecution or not, it sounded like all that took place was a casual phone call, at best, about the matter. I don't believe the State Attorney has officially weighed in on this via any correspondence or other communication, which I would interpret as Ms. Tutt not having more than a "what if" type phone conversation with someone in that office.

The other point that I don't think has ever been very clearly established is who, exactly, is/are the "damaged parties" that would have a say in whether to prosecute or not?? Is it Ms. Tutt and the VCCDD, the SLCDD, the Projectwide Advisory Committee (who seems to have been paying the fines and remediation costs so far), CDD5 where the damage occurred, CDD's 5-10 who are sharing in the costs by decision of the PWAC? Or, is it the "Developer" in the form of VLSI (Vilalges of Lake-Sumter, Inc.)?

Seems like the check was made out to SLCDD. Be interesting to see how those funds are now re-allocated back to the Districts that have been assessed a share of the costs.

Oh my.........

[Bogie Shooter]

Envey sure takes on different forms.

[dbussone]

Originally Posted by tuccillo

Speeding isn't usually a felony. As someone pointed out already, cutting down the tree may carry a potential jail time punishment. Trying to equate a simple speeding ticket with what happened with the trees is pointless.

In a golf cart, speeding can easily result in a felony.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by Topspinmo

If I lived in million dollar plus village I would be embarrassed and want this to go away. IMO just cause they (if it was the one that paid for the unauthorized tree removal) got lawyer and paid part of the damages and after math Don't mean they escape felony charge. If this happens what does it say for our judicial system? Money talks and bullshyt walks. At the end of the trail IMO it's all about the money.

At the very least that is terribly unkind and it is so unfair. You would be mighty surprised at the folks who live in all kinds of homes here. I know one thing for damn sure. They all planned carefully, worked hard and saved their money. Financial security doesn't just fall on you.

[tuccillo]

I don't believe we were talking about a golf cart but thanks for your 2 cents ;-)

Originally Posted by dbussone

In a golf cart, speeding can easily result in a felony.

[Mleeja]

I am just amazed how vindictive posters are on this subject. I am nowhere close to Lake Minoa, but will gladly contribute the $3.00 I'ved save by not striping the MMPs to the Friends of Lake Minoa if it will end this topic....