July 25, 2017
An aggravated taxpayer who took to social media to vent his frustrations is facing consequences for reportedly taking things a bit too far.
Arthur Morse, 75, of Monmouth County, was arrested and charged with making terroristic threats Saturday after police tracked down a Facebook status in which Morse allegedly threatened to "burn the mayor's house down" because he was angry about a recent property tax hike, Ocean Township Police said in a news release.
Police took Morse in around 11:30 a.m. Saturday and later released him on a criminal summons pending an upcoming appearance in court.
It's not the first time that Mayor Christopher Siciliano has been threatened over the increase, he told the Asbury Park Press. He said that another resident appeared at his front door and threatened Siciliano verbally.
"Some people didn't like the fact that their property values and taxes went up," Siciliano told the publication. "Some people are reacting to it very emotionally. They're not being rational."
The APP reported that Morse saw a $165 property tax increase on his house after its valuation jumped $70,000 in the past year.
