Nantucket police charge man who trespassed and destroyed trees in alleged scheme to boost property value with ocean view

What started as a peaceful property boundary turned into an expensive and emotional legal battle in Nantucket.

All because one man decided he wanted a better view of the ocean—and took matters into his own hands.

Now, the decision has landed him in court, facing felony charges that could send him to prison for years.

Drastic Move Sparks Criminal Charges

Jonathan Jacoby, a 55-year-old property owner on the luxurious island of Nantucket, is now facing serious legal trouble after allegedly cutting down several trees on his neighbor’s property.

Prosecutors in Nantucket District Court have charged him with felony vandalism, trespassing, and destruction of property.

If convicted, Jacoby could face up to three years in state prison.

Trees Cut to “Improve the View”

According to court documents and reports from the Boston Globe, Jacoby allegedly removed over 16 trees from a neighboring property owned by longtime residents Patricia and Richard Belford.

The reason? To open up his own ocean view.

The trees, which were reportedly more than 50 years old, once offered both privacy and charm to the Belfords’ coastal home.

Elderly Homeowner Left Devastated

Patricia Belford, 80, who now resides in an assisted living facility, was left heartbroken when she learned of the unauthorized tree removal.

She claims Jacoby trespassed onto her property at 1 Tautemo Way back in February and chopped down the trees without any notice or permission.

A $1.4 Million Lawsuit Follows

Belford has since filed a $1.4 million lawsuit against Jacoby, claiming that the cherry, cedar, and Leyland Cypress trees were not only sentimental but also financially valuable.

The lawsuit asserts that Jacoby removed them deliberately to boost the view from his property—an action that stripped Belford’s home of privacy, natural beauty, and possibly even market value.

Property Manager Describes the Scene

Matt Erisman, the property manager overseeing the Belfords’ $4.2 million estate, was the first to report the shocking incident to Nantucket Police.

“It was just a disgusting scene,” Erisman told local reporters.

“Even outside of my professional life, I’ve never seen a neighbor behave in such a dishonest and selfish way.”

Landscaper’s Testimony Blows the Lid Off

Adding to Jacoby’s legal problems, his former landscaper, Krasimir Kirilov, voluntarily came forward to confirm that Jacoby had asked for help clearing out landscaping—work that Kirilov quickly realized wasn’t even on Jacoby’s own property.

Once he recognized the boundary, Kirilov declined to assist and later gave a statement to investigators, identifying Jacoby as the one responsible for the unauthorized clearing.

Police Say It Was Deliberate

According to Nantucket Police, the evidence clearly suggests that Jacoby knew what he was doing.

A report states that he “knowingly and willfully” entered the Belfords’ land and cut the trees for his own personal gain.

Police Lieutenant Angus MacVicar confirmed that criminal charges are actively being pursued.

Tree Loss Comes with a Hefty Price Tag

The trees weren’t just aesthetically valuable—they were financially costly, too.

A nursery assessment cited in the lawsuit estimated that replacing the 16 trees would cost at least $486,000.

But that figure doesn’t even include the additional losses—such as increased noise, decreased property value, and the emotional toll on an elderly woman who simply wanted to preserve her family home.

More Than Just Money at Stake

For Belford, the situation goes far beyond dollars and cents.

She claims the emotional distress from losing the trees, combined with the blatant disrespect shown by her neighbor, has left her shaken.

Her lawsuit argues that the damage isn’t just environmental—it’s personal.

What Happens Next?

As the case moves forward, both the criminal proceedings and the civil lawsuit are expected to shine a spotlight on one man’s decision to destroy in order to get a better view.

For now, Jonathan Jacoby remains at the center of a property dispute that’s about far more than just trees—it’s about respect, boundaries, and accountability in one of the wealthiest corners of Massachusetts.