Jacoby entered the property knowingly and willfully and cut the trees for his own personal benefit,” the suit states.
A property dispute has broken out on Nantucket Island, Massachusetts, after 55-year-old Jonathan Jacoby allegedly cut down 16 trees on 80-year-old Patricia Belford’s land to improve the ocean view from his property, which he is trying to sell.
Belford, who resides in an assisted living facility, filed a $1.4 million lawsuit accusing Jacoby of trespassing in February and removing decades-old cherry, cedar, and Leyland Cypress trees. “Jacoby entered the property knowingly and willfully and cut the trees for his own personal benefit,” the suit states.
Jacoby’s former landscaper, Krasimir Kirilov, reportedly informed police of Jacoby’s involvement. Belford’s property manager, Matt Erisman, alerted police after noticing the trees had been removed.
Belford claims the loss caused emotional distress and significantly reduced the value of her $4.2 million home. The lawsuit estimates replacement costs at over $486,000. Nantucket police say charges are pending against Jacoby.