Teen who beat birds accused of violating probation
The Associated Press
June 25, 2004
TOMS RIVER, NJ -- Another teen who admitted pummeling exotic birds to death at an Ocean County zoo is accused of violating his probation.
Matthew Mercuro is accused in Waretown of operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs and drinking while underage.
If convicted, the 19 year old could be sentenced to jail time.
A judge in April sentenced Mercuro and two other teens to three years probation, saying putting them behind bars would interrupt their treatment for drug and alcohol abuse.
Another defendant, Thomas Cavanaugh, was charged with violating probation last month when he was expelled from a drug rehabilitation program.
Authorities said the trio beat three ducks, three emus and two rheas with a plastic pipe, a shovel, a rake and other items at the Popcorn Park Zoo last year.
The Associated Press
June 25, 2004
TOMS RIVER, NJ -- Another teen who admitted pummeling exotic birds to death at an Ocean County zoo is accused of violating his probation.
Matthew Mercuro is accused in Waretown of operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs and drinking while underage.
If convicted, the 19 year old could be sentenced to jail time.
A judge in April sentenced Mercuro and two other teens to three years probation, saying putting them behind bars would interrupt their treatment for drug and alcohol abuse.
Another defendant, Thomas Cavanaugh, was charged with violating probation last month when he was expelled from a drug rehabilitation program.
Authorities said the trio beat three ducks, three emus and two rheas with a plastic pipe, a shovel, a rake and other items at the Popcorn Park Zoo last year.
