[JCMSr]

Although I have not been following this situation from the beginning I am wondering why, if you came home and found a stockpile of wood stacked in your back yard would it not make sense to call someone to find out what the heck was going on? Perhaps this was done but I have not heard that anyone living adjacent to where the trees were cut have said much of anything. That said, I know that over the years I have seen many instances whereby someone acting as if they belong can avoid being questioned vs. someone trying to be sneaky and hide will usually be caught. Guess the perps were hiding in plain sight.

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by CFrance

Someone explained earlier that subpoenas are an investigative tool and don't require the same evidence as a warrant does, as they are a tool for gathering evidence. He also said that without subpoena authority most investigations would get nowhere.

And every post is the absolute truth.................!

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by CFrance

Polar Bear, I think that cut-down and stacked-up trees on the properties would be justification for a subpoena. JMO, but it sure looks suspicious.

Where did you read that the wood was stacked up on the properties? The original report stated the wood was staked where the trees were cut down.

[Bogie Shooter]

[QUOTE=Barefoot;1092643]Not to be negative, but is it possible some posters with elaborate theories have been watching too many episodes of CSI?
I'm sure the Detectives have explored all the obvious leads and would love to arrest the perps.
As an elected official said to me several months ago, "We know who did it but there is no proof".[/QUOTE]

Now this is new information. Was this elected official allowed to make comments like that? Why would this person discuss information like that?
Did you believe the statement? Why?

[Chi-Town]

Does anyone know when the statute of limitations runs out regarding this? Consider that a rhetorical question.

[CFrance]

Originally Posted by Bogie Shooter

And every post is the absolute truth.................!

Well, this someone seems to have credentials and know what he is talking about. I was merely reminding what it was he said.

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by Bogie Shooter

Now this is new information. Was this elected official allowed to make comments like that? Why would this person discuss information like that?
Did you believe the statement? Why?

The comment was made by an elected official who is also a friend. The comment was made in an informal way, not as a spokesperson..
That is why I haven't mentioned his name or position.

Yes, I do believe that law enforcement knows exactly who did it. I also believe there is inadequate proof to charge them. I agree with Polar Bear, this horse is long dead.

[CFrance]

Originally Posted by Bogie Shooter

Where did you read that the wood was stacked up on the properties? The original report stated the wood was staked where the trees were cut down.

http://www.**************.com/cdd-5-...-tree-removal/

Actually, it might be good for all to read this article. 300 x 100 feet of property cleared and nobody heard???????

Oh, sorry, the url won't be permitted. You'll have to go to the online news and do a search for "tree cutting." It's the second article, and the caption under the picture says the trees were removed from this property.

What is your take on all this, Bogie? Can't tell from your comments.

[Cedwards38]

Very little heard from the VHA and POA on this issue. Wonder where they are, and what they could do to get some action!

[redwitch]

The POA had a very vitriolic article in The Bulletin condemning whoever had the trees cut down and those who might know but are keeping quiet.

Without sufficient proof, there cannot be an arrest. There's also the fact that the fine has already been paid. I doubt the developer wants to seriously delve into this. An arrest, with or without a conviction, would bring some very negative publicity about rich, entitled white folks harming the environment. Not as interesting as having sex in public but far more damaging to TV's image. If you were the Sheriff, would you be actively pursuing this matter?

[Happydaz]

Originally Posted by Barefoot

The comment was made by an elected official who is also a friend. The comment was made in an informal way, not as a spokesperson..
That is why I haven't mentioned his name or position.

Yes, I do believe that law enforcement knows exactly who did it. I also believe there is inadequate proof to charge them. I agree with Polar Bear, this horse is long dead.

I heard the same thing from a very trusted source who works for the state of Florida in an environmental area position. He said they know who did it. It is just hearsay on my part, but that is what this person told me. I think he also told me that the tree cutters were young men and for some reason this complicated things? (Not sure of this last statement) This person does not live in The Villages and is in contact with state environment workers. I didn't post it before because it is just hearsay, but other posters here are saying the same thing, that some persons in authority know who did it.

[tuccillo]

As far as I know this is not a Developer issue. I believe it is a residential CDD issue only.

Originally Posted by redwitch

The POA had a very vitriolic article in The Bulletin condemning whoever had the trees cut down and those who might know but are keeping quiet.

Without sufficient proof, there cannot be an arrest. There's also the fact that the fine has already been paid. I doubt the developer wants to seriously delve into this. An arrest, with or without a conviction, would bring some very negative publicity about rich, entitled white folks harming the environment. Not as interesting as having sex in public but far more damaging to TV's image. If you were the Sheriff, would you be actively pursuing this matter?

[Wavy Chips]

Can someone please explain the fines surrounding this incident? I've heard numbers from $30k to $50k. How were they determined and what are they based on? Were these a protected species of tree? Was the amount based on the number of trees cut down or was it a blanket amount? That amount seems out of line for what I would expect for that type of infraction. As someone who still lives in Ohio I have never encountered or read about anything like this. But if I did, I would guess that the fine would be in the $1k to $5k range at worst. Thanks!

[billethkid]

The problem with hearsay even from " known " sources one never knows the chain if there is one to the original one.

On the assumption true, still leaves room for possible other than resident only . Sorta continues to smell that way........to me anyway.

[Advogado]

Originally Posted by billethkid

The problem with hearsay even from " known " sources one never knows the chain if there is one to the original one.

On the assumption true, still leaves room for possible other than resident only . Sorta continues to smell that way........to me anyway.

No one except the 4 homeowners whose view was improved had the motive to spend the significant amount of money it must have cost to have the trees cut down. it is pure fantasy to suggest that anyone else was responsible. Given the will to do so, by taking the types of investigative measures I earlier suggested, it should be possible for the sheriff to make a case against the guilty party(ies).

Incidentally, unlike the posters who have been writing their own law about the issuance of subpoenas and inventing incredible theories about who perpetrators might be, I have been responsible for putting a couple hundred criminals behind bars--so I have had some experience in this area.