[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by Advogado

Two observations:

1. The Distict was optimistic if it thought that the perpetrator(s) would turn themselves in after the District announced that the Sheriff had closed the investigation.

If the District really wants the perpetrators to turn themselves in, the Distict should now announce that: The Sheriff is going to aggressively reopen the investigation (and have the Sheriff do so). If the perpetrator(s) turn themselves in before they are arrested and offer to pay restitution, their cooperation will be taken into consideration by the prosecutor. If they do not do so, the prosecutor will charge them with a felony with no plea bargain, and they will face 5 years in prison.

2. Our calls to the Sheriff's Office have not resulted in a vigorous investigation (subpoenas etc.). Maybe we should try calling the County Commissioners. One of them, Don Hahnfeldt, former VHA president and current candidate for the state legislature, lives quite close to the crime scene. Perhaps he could both encourage the Sheriff to take further action and urge any neighbors with relevant information to come forward.

If you were the Sheriff, what would you be doing to further the investigation? If you lived there, just exactly would you say and how would you say it to the neighbors to release their relevant information? I can't think of anything that can be done at this point and neither can anyone else. I think it's a cold case.

[CFrance]

I think Advogado's #2 might work.

[Advogado]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

If you were the Sheriff, what would you be doing to further the investigation? If you lived there, just exactly would you say and how would you say it to the neighbors to release their relevant information? I can't think of anything that can be done at this point and neither can anyone else. I think it's a cold case.

Please refer to my earlier post in which I point out specific investigative steps that could be taken to solve this case. I find it hard to believe that a simple case like this, in which there are only four suspects, cannot be solved if there is the will to solve it.

[Polar Bear]

Originally Posted by Advogado

...a simple case like this, in which there are only four suspects...

With all due respect, this statement shows your willingness to assume things that are not necessarily true...something investigators simply cannot do.

[rubicon]

Originally Posted by CFrance

There is no way someone could be cutting down trees in your next-door neighbor's yard and you wouldn't know it. Tree cutting does not sound like lawn mowing.

The only explanation is that everyone around for three homes on either side were away. Unlikely. And since this goes back to at least January, that is doubtful.

I agree and think of the Oops when the clearing appeared.

[rubicon]

[QUOTE=redwitch;1089970]The fines, to me, are irrelevant. The cutting down of perfectly healthy trees is a true obscenity. I'm probably the only person you know that literally cried when the beautiful pines were torched in a sci-fi movie (Blade Runner? Soylent Green? One of that era, anyway.) so, it is a big deal to me.

Do I think my scenarios of vandalism or accidental cutting are likely? Not in the least. Do I think a good defense attorney could use these arguments to create reasonable doubt? You betchya.

I have no idea how much or little investigation was done by the Sheriff's Department but I'd prefer to give them the benefit of the doubt and leave it that they have a pretty good idea who did this but not enough proof to do anything about it.


Given your comments about torched trees can you imagine how many people feel regarding the destruction of the Amazon forest

The pragmatic side of me understands these jerks got away with it and, barring some incredible luck on the part of investigators, will never be convicted of a dang thing. A true travesty but I, personally, refuse to let this ruin one iota of the good things here. So, I stand by my post of way back when and say, "Let it go." Sucks, but it is what it is.[/QUOTE]

[rubicon]

While i contribute to this thread never did I believe that it would lead to anything. The trail's run cold, the investigators moved on and yet in the back of my mind I keep saying the culprits were not professionals. The trees did not cut themselves down. the trees had to be cut during daylight hours.

[Advogado]

Originally Posted by Polar Bear

With all due respect, this statement shows your willingness to assume things that are not necessarily true...something investigators simply cannot do.

No. My posts in this thread reflect my experience in conducting criminal investigations and putting bad guys in prison.

[billethkid]

I still maintain there is room for other than the obvious conclusions expressed!
What if none of the residents were responsible/involved?

[Challenger]

Originally Posted by NavyNJ

Interesting position/approach to take, for sure. However, I'm not so sure it is entirely just their call to make. For instance, aren't all CDD's south of 466A, like 5-10, all sharing in the costs on this? Why would only 1 CDD get to make the call on pursuing prosecution? The other thing that may not be entirely clear here is whether the local (County) or State authorities actually need any entity within TV to pursue legal action, in order for them to bring charges against those involved, once they knew who they were, and had sufficient evidence to bring charges.

No atty would accept this deal. There are many affected people and groups who have standing in this case and this would be dissasterous for the for the responsible party.

[Advogado]

Originally Posted by billethkid

I still maintain there is room for other than the obvious conclusions expressed!
What if none of the residents were responsible/involved?

If I ever am charged with committing a crime and the evidence against me is overwhelming, I want you on my jury.

[Challenger]

Originally Posted by billethkid

I still maintain there is room for other than the obvious conclusions expressed!
What if none of the residents were responsible/involved?

I would take that bet and give you great odds.

[shotgunpeople]

BEST kept secret in The Villages.

Still baffles me. Had to be aliens from another planet to take out all of those trees without a trace of removal.

[billethkid]

Originally Posted by Advogado

If I ever am charged with committing a crime and the evidence against me is overwhelming, I want you on my jury.

Perhaps you have or think you have more knowledge than some of the rest of us. I will just ignore the intent of the comment made. When I have the facts it is easy to conclude. Until then it is no more than conjecture or plain old opinion.....which we are all entitled to have.

Originally Posted by Challenger

I would take that bet and give you great odds.

As the saying goes, some of us know what we don't know.

With the overwhelming commentary of what should be investigated and how investigated and how to procede to get justice would kinda sorta imply that there are more than just me that do not know.

[Jim 9922]

Originally Posted by shotgunpeople

BEST kept secret in The Villages.

Still baffles me. Had to be aliens from another planet to take out all of those trees without a trace of removal.

I thought that's one of the things Neighborhood Watch is watching for.