Man Pleads Guilty to Cutting Avalon Dune Trees

The following is based on information received from a law enforcement agency.
AVALON — A Pennsylvania man pled guilty Oct. 1 to illegally cutting down trees on public property that were located in Avalon’s dune system at 32nd Street and the beach.  
The guilty plea was made before Municipal Court Judge Andrew Cafiero in Avalon Municipal Court.  The complaint was filed by a citizen who witnessed the activity.
David S. Dempsey, 63, of Newton, Pa. pleaded guilty to damage to borough property.  As a result of the plea, Dempsey was provided with the maximum allowable fine of $2,000. He must pay $1,880 in restitution to the borough  for the costs incurred cleaning up the fallen trees, and $33 in court costs.
“I am very appreciative of the citizen who came forward with information that led to this charge and guilty plea,” stated Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi in a release. 
“The Avalon dune system provides an integral defense for our community from Atlantic storms and is a critical component of the borough’s natural ecosystem that contributes to Avalon being one of the most visited flyways for migrating birds in North America.  Avalon maintains zero tolerance for this type of selfish behavior.”
A complaint was filed by a citizen during the morning of April 17, 2018. Charges were filed against Dempsey May 10.  The citizen witnessed the  tree cutting and reported it to the Avalon Police Department.
“The Avalon Environmental Commission, the Avalon Garden Club, and truly all of our citizens are stakeholders in the natural marine environment,” Pagliughi stated.  “This type of illegal activity is occasionally conducted by individuals who want to improve their views from private property.  I encourage all residents and visitors to immediately report this type of activity to the Avalon Police Department for the maximum prosecution allowable by law.”
To report illegal activity, contact Avalon Police at (609) 967-3411; for any emergency, dial 911.