At Fruit Haven, we strive to build a peaceful, values-aligned community grounded in trust, consent, and mutual respect. Transparency is essential to that mission. This post shares our experience with a former applicant and participant, John David Nugent (also known as Jack), and the steps we took to protect our community.
From Application to Concern
Mr. Nugent initially applied in July 2023, presenting himself as a vegan, largely pacifist individual interested in long-term community life and land purchase. He later rented briefly at Fruit Haven, returned to the United States, and ultimately completed a land purchase in December 2024. As with all applicants, engagement was undertaken in good faith.
Over time, however, a pattern of escalating behavior emerged that raised serious safety concerns.
First Violent Incident — June 18, 2025
On June 18, 2025, a violent incident occurred at a private residence within Fruit Haven 1 involving a property owner. Mr. Nugent entered a residence where he was not permitted, yelled aggressively, forcibly removed the owner from his own home, and physically assaulted him using his fists and boots, including blows to the head, face and ribs as well as pulling of hair.
Additional actions during this incident included deliberate property damage inside the home, including spilling paint on the kitchen floor, and the theft of a mobile phone.
Evidence collected for this incident included:
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Security camera footage clearly showing the assault, theft, damage and trespass (see here)
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Photographs documenting injuries
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Receipts confirming the value of the stolen phone
Two independent witness statements were also collected:
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A renter staying at the community house who reported hearing sustained yelling and aggressive behavior
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The owner’s wife, who confirmed that Mr. Nugent did not have permission to enter the residence
The incident was formally reported to authorities the following day, and protective measures were subsequently granted.
Second Violent Incident — March 1, 2025
On the morning of March 1, 2025, a more serious and dangerous incident occurred on Fruit Haven 1 community property involving another Fruit Haven owner, 73 years old, who owns property in both FH1 and FH2.
Security camera footage shows Mr. Nugent walking on the property carrying an axe. Shortly afterward, security cameras were deliberately destroyed and the main power breaker was shut off, disabling the recording system (see here).
Eyewitness video recorded on a mobile phone shows Mr. Nugent aggressively confronting and physically attacking the 73-year-old owner while wielding the axe and yelling threats. Witnesses reported intense verbal aggression and violence. During the incident, private and community items were stolen, and additional community property was damaged.
Witnesses present at the scene provided written statements and video evidence to police. One witness recorded video evidence prior to the destruction of recording equipment. After police arrived, officers reviewed the video evidence, interviewed witnesses, and arrested Mr. Nugent.
Evidence and Accountability
Across both incidents, evidence collected includes:
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Fixed security camera recordings
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Mobile phone video recorded by eyewitnesses
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Written witness statements from multiple individuals
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Photographs of injuries and property damage
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Receipts documenting stolen and damaged items
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Police intervention and ongoing judicial proceedings
These records form the basis of the legal process currently underway.
Closure and Moving Forward
Mr. Nugent departed Fruit Haven property on October 20, 2025. Since then, we have strengthened screening procedures, safety protocols, and emergency response measures.
We share this information not to shame or inflame, but to be transparent about what occurred and to affirm our commitment to non-violence, consent, and community safety.
This post reflects our documented experience and records. Legal determinations are made by the appropriate authorities.