More than 70 trees were cut down. Now the developer is offering a reward for arrest and conviction.

A developer of a Bradenton community is offering a $1,000 reward for the arrest and conviction of the individual who cut down 77 trees in the community.

After more than $11,000 worth of damage occurred at the Mirabella at Village Green development, developer Marshall Gobuty has offered the $1,000 reward for “information that leads to the capture, conviction and payment of restitution by those responsible for the damage,” according to a news release.

“We’ve designed and built a safe, modern and dynamic residential community that is the most environmentally friendly one in the region, so the shock and dismay we all felt when we saw what was done is being taken very seriously.”

The Mirabella at Village Green development, which will feature 160 residential lots and is marked as an “active adult lifestyle” community, has been LEED Platinum and Energy Star certified.

“The trees were planted as part of Mirabella’s eco-friendly approach and energy saving efforts,” according to the release. “The trees also served as an attractive physical barrier between the new home community and neighboring Village Green.”

Rather than putting a chain link fence or a wall, Gobuty said they wanted to have the more natural approach with the trees. There are plans to replant the trees.

“Shortly after the trees were planted, Mirabella received some disturbing and threatening emails from residents of a neighboring community,” he said. “While we are not saying those same people were involved, nor are we accusing the neighboring community’s leadership of condoning anything, we have turned the information over to the Bradenton Police Department, and our own private investigators, who are looking into the matter.”

If anyone has information, they are being asked to contact Bradenton Police Department’s Detective Lisa Moyett at 941-932-9300.

This story was originally published May 18, 2017 at 4:30 PM with the headline "More than 70 trees were cut down. Now the developer is offering a reward for arrest and conviction.."