Student charged after Hawaii seabirds found dead

Honolulu - A 19-year-old college student has been charged with animal cruelty, nearly a year after seabirds were found dead at a Hawaii nature reserve.

Christian Gutierrez is charged with 14 counts of animal cruelty and other charges. The Hawaii Department of Public Safety says he turned himself in and was released after posting $25 000 bail.

Hawaii News Now reports at least 15 destroyed nests of Laysan albatrosses were found at the Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve in December last year.

According to a police report, Gutierrez attends New York University. He's scheduled to be arraigned next week.