MAYS LANDING, N.J. — A 31-year-old Atlantic City man was indicted Thursday on charges of criminal mischief and conspiracy for allegedly using drones to drop dye packs into swimming pools, causing thousands of dollars in damage, prosecutors said.
Anthony M. Spina was charged by an Atlantic County grand jury with third-degree Conspiracy to Commit Criminal Mischief and Criminal Mischief. Authorities allege that between June 1, 2023, and September 1, 2023, Spina and a known co-conspirator operated drones to release dye packs into both residential and commercial swimming pools.
The incidents, which reportedly turned pool water greenish-yellow and alarmed property owners, caused over $2,000 in damages for cleanup and remediation.
Between August 2 and August 15, 2023, Spina is accused of targeting a condominium complex in Atlantic City, where he allegedly flew a drone and dropped dye packs into the pool on multiple occasions.
Investigators used tracking software to link the drone flights to Spina and his co-conspirator. A drone and multiple digital devices were seized during the investigation, ultimately leading to Spina’s arrest.