Two boys charged with felonies after half-million bees killed

Stephen Gruber-Miller
The Des Moines Register
Special to the Register.

Two minors are facing charges after a honey farm in Sioux City was vandalized last month, killing a half-million bees.

The Sioux City Police Department said in a news release Wednesday that the incident happened on Dec. 27 at Wild Hill Honey at 3400 W. 6th St.

"All of the beehives on the honey farm were destroyed and approximately 500,000 bees perished in the frigid temperatures," the release said.

The estimated cost of the damage was $60,000, police said.

On Wednesday, police arrested two boys, ages 12 and 13, each of whom faces charges of first-degree criminal mischief and agricultural animal facilities offenses, both class C felonies; third-degree burglary, a class D felony; and possession of burglar's tools, an aggravated misdemeanor.

Police have not released the names of the juveniles. No further arrests are expected.