Town official fired after he allegedly poisons bird’s nest

WEST MILFORD, N.J. (AP) — A high-ranking official in a North Jersey town has been fired for allegedly spraying a robin's nest with pesticide last month, killing two chicks and destroying an egg.

The Record  reports that West Milford's public works superintendent, Carlos Luaces, was dismissed Friday, shortly after he was accused of animal cruelty. The decision was made by Mayor Bettina Bieri, who said Luaces' ability to lead the department "has been compromised."

Luaces, who lives in Byram, is accused of knowingly poisoning a living animal and causing death. He could face five years in prison if convicted on the count, which was filed by the Passaic County SPCA.

Luaces' attorney, Gary Kraemer, told the newspaper that his client would plead not guilty and plans to fight the allegations.

Officials say Luaces first ordered some staffers to destroy the nest, but they refused.

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