Maraschino Cherry Factory Owner Commits Suicide During Suspected Drug Investigation In NYC

A New York City cherry factory owner killed himself with a gunshot wound to the head in an environmental hazard investigation-turned drug bust.

Unnamed sources told CBS New York that before 57-year-old Arthur Mondella's death on Tuesday, New York state environmental protection agents and Brooklyn District Attorney's office representatives arrived at Dell's Maraschino Cherries with a search warrant.

They were there on suspicion the Brooklyn factory was illegally disposing of hazardous chemicals used for cherry processing into the sewer system. The owner's sister was also at the factory.

The search was underway when investigators detected the smell of marijuana and questioned Mondella. That's when he excused himself to the bathroom and walked by himself into an office.

"Take care of my kids," Mondella was heard shouting to his sister before he pulled the trigger, sources told CBS New York.

A source told the New York Daily News the owner had a license to carry and often kept the gun on himself.

A significant amount of pot was found at the factory in Brooklyn's Red Hook neighborhood. Nearby business owners were stunned by the tragedy that unfolded at the cherry factory reportedly in business for almost 70 years.

"It's sad. It's very sad," Joe Morrine, owner of nearby Recycled Brooklyn, told the station.

She said she never suspected the cherry warehouse was hiding a drug operation.

"It doesn't make sense that it would be a front; I mean, they're a legitimate business. They've been around for a long time," Morrine said. "Just a normal business operating; you know, lots of forklifts moving things in and out; nice people."

As of Wednesday night no charges have been brought in connection to the factory. The investigation is ongoing.

Tags

Brooklyn, New York City, Suicide, Marijuana