A new billboard on the Odd Fellows building (Image via Dave Meinert on Facebook)
Alleged Chelan tree murderer and Capitol Hill real estate developer Ted Schroth has pleaded not guilty to a charge of first degree malicious mischief in an October salt attack on 123 trees neighboring The Lookout, Schroth’s Chelan, WA-located “lakeside village” development.
Schroth entered his plea March 11th in Chelan County Superior Court. News apparently travels slowly from far-flung Chelan — though court records indicate a KING television news crew recorded the proceedings.
Prior to the not guilty plea, CHS reported on a Chelan police detective’s evidence documenting a crime that used more than 80 bags of salt in an attempt to kill the trees last October. Police said the extent of the damage might not be known until later this spring. If all of the trees die — each a 30 to 40-foot poplar — the salting damages will include more than $295,000 in replacement costs.
As part of the most recent proceedings, his attorney successfully argued that Schroth should be allowed to travel out of state for spring break. The Eastside resident faces up to 10 years in jail and a $20,000 fine if convicted. The trial is slated to begin in June.
The judge let him travel for spring break? To go where? The Amazon for a little recreational clearcutting?
We used to say of such people that they were legends in their own minds. A guy from the south I was speaking to once had a good one, he described it as someone having a case of Big i, Little u.
10 years in prison sounds like just what he deserves when he gets back from ‘spring break’.
This is yet another example of arrogant, rich people doing what they damn well please. No doubt he can afford a very clever lawyer, but hopefully he will be found guilty and spend time in the slammer.
If he would have just come clean, said he is sorry, will re-plant the trees, bla bla, I could maybe forgive this guy. But now that he has chosen to “play the system” when we all know he’s guilty as $%^, that really makes me mad. I hope they throw the book at this guy.
He really does deserve jail time for this plea, all this goes to show you not only is he a liar, he thinks he is above the law.
Pleading “not guilty” during the hearing doesn’t mean he won’t plead guilty at the trial. It’s common sense for the accused to plead not guilty first, else they accept all charges, “as is”, brought against them from the start. They have no opportunity to discuss the charges, negotiate a plea, or cut any deal with the county. He’d be REALLY stupid to plead guilty at the hearing.
Beyond prison and a fine, I think he should be forced to pay the $250,000 to reinstate the damage that he caused. Because he is rich and can hire a good lawyer he will probably take a plea deal and get a slap on the wrist. Arrogant and evil S.O.B.
Meanwhile, closer to home, 168 Arboretum trees are large as 4 ft in diameter are apparently going to be cut down for a recreational trail.
http://www.seattle.gov/Documents/Departments/UrbanForestryCommission/2015/2015docs/ArboretumTreeRemovalList.pdf
Ok, I’ll bite. Why don’t you like the trail?