Man Indicted in Treaty Oak Poisoning
AUSTIN, Tex. — A 45-year-old former feed store worker was indicted Tuesday in the deliberate poisoning of the centuries-old Treaty Oak. The Travis County indictment charged Paul S. Cullen, of Elroy, with felony criminal mischief that caused in excess of $20,000 damage to the historic tree.
Because of a previous burglary conviction, prosecutors said the charge was enhanced to a first-degree felony. Cullen, who could be sentenced to life in prison if convicted, has been in jail since his arrest June 29.
Foresters have taken several steps to try and offset the effects of the herbicide Velpar, but still are not sure whether the sprawling oak will survive.
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