Authorities accuse a land developer of trying to poison more than a hundred trees on a rival development.
The trees were apparently getting in the way of the view on his Chelan County development.
Pictures taken by Chelan County sheriff's investigators show about 10 pounds of salt laced around the base of 123 trees last October.
The man responsible, they say, is Ted Schroth, 46, in charge of a 63 acre, 300-home development called The Lookout.
He was arrested on a felony charge of malicious mischief.
Documents allege he wanted to "improve the view" from The Lookout by poisoning the trees on a neighboring development called Whiskey Ranch.
Schroth is a land developer in both King and Chelan counties.
KIRO 7 caught up with him Friday afternoon just as he returned to his home in Clyde Hill but he had no comment.
Surveillance video from Walmart provided investigators with a big clue. Chelan County Sheriff Brian Burnett said a person who looked like Schroth was seen purchasing a large amount of salt.
Documents allege he bought “two separate types of salt -- 42 bags and 39 bags."
That made 81 bags total.
He told authorities he was stockpiling it for the winter.
But employees didn't know anything about it.
There also may be bad blood between Schroth and one of Whiskey Ranch's board members, Mark McNaughton.
Documents show Schroth told investigators he “does not get along with Mark McNaughton.”
“There is indication there was some tension there based on previous contact,” Burnett added.
He also said admitted it would help his development if the trees were gone and at one point, he tried to purchase the property that the trees are on so he could expand his development, but McNcNaughton did not want to sell the property.
Schroth’s first court date is set for March 11.
A statement from Whiskey Ranch reads:
“As longtime property owners in the area, Chelan is near and dear to our hearts. It was heartbreaking and disappointing to learn that someone attempted to kill the trees on our property. We hope that justice will be served to those responsible. We admire and support the plan of the Lookout, which is now home to year-round and vacation home residents. We look forward to the Lookout’s continued success.”
Cooper Offenbecher, Ted Schroth’s attorney also sent this statement:
“We are investigating the facts to determine an appropriate course of action. Ted Schroth is a civically minded and active member of the Greater Seattle and Chelan communities. He is committed to responding to these allegations in a responsible manner.”
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