Ross B. Leone, pictured here, is accused of smashing 7 swan eggs from the Manlius Swan Pond
/ Couresy Manlius Police
MANLIUS -- The man who stole and destroyed seven swan eggs from the Manlius Swan Pond over the weekend was arrested Wednesday say Manlius police.
Police arrested Ross B. Leone, 23, and charged him with criminal mischief, petit larceny, criminal trespassing, possession of stolen property, and interference with fish and wildlife.
Leone allegedly went into the nesting area of the Swan Pond in the village, took the eggs from their nest and destroyed them by smashing them on the side walk and on a wall.
Investigators say that Leone was at Buffoons bar drinking before allegedly smashing the swan eggs.
Manlius Mayor Mark-Paul Serafin previously said he is "outraged" by what happened, pointing out that the eight eggs in the swan pond were set to hatch in the next few weeks.
The Village of Manlius says there is $9,250 in pledged reward money and 400 dollars in anonymous cash for information that led to the arrest and conviction of Leone.
Police say two tips calls came in before the reward was announced. Police were able to determine the suspect was Leone based on those calls. Leone eventually turned himself into police. Leone lives with his parents in Jamesville and police say he did not show any emotion when he was questions about the incident.
The Village of Manlius Clerks office has not said how the money will be awarded yet.
The Dazzle Store just down the street from the swan pond began selling "Save Our Swans" t-shirts and hats for $15 with all the money going to the reward for information in the case. The store said it will continue to sell the shirts and hats even if the reward money is claimed with 100% of the money going to efforts to keep the swans safe.
Investigators say they have not ruled out the possibility that others may be involved in the incident.
Leone was remanded to the Onondaga County Justice center on $1,500 cash bail or bond and is due back in the Village of Manlius court on June 7th.
