Delaware Natural Resources Police Environmental Crimes Unit (ECU) arrested a Georgetown man Tuesday, Sept. 20, on a charge of illegal dumping on a public roadway.

After an investigation by ECU officers, Serapio Zapata, 58, was issued an e-ticket with a fine of $637 for causing or contributing to the discharge of solid waste materials.

DNREC reminds Delawareans and visitors to Keep DE Litter Free, not to litter, to help clean up our outdoor spaces, and protect the state’s unique natural heritage.

Defendants are presumed innocent and are entitled to a jury trial at which the State bears the burden of proving each charge beyond a reasonable doubt.

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts: Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov; Nikki Lavoie, nikki.lavoie@delaware.gov.

HARRINGTON – After investigating an illegal dumping complaint made to DNREC’s Division of Community Affairs, Natural Resources Police officers with the Environmental Crimes Unit arrested a Harrington man Sept. 5 in connection with the incident in southern Kent County.

Rahmeen Floyd, 38, was charged with three counts of causing or contributing to the discharge of solid waste materials. He was arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 6 in Harrington, and released. Each charge carries a minimum fine of $500 and a maximum fine of $1,500 for first offense.

Residents are encouraged to report illegal trash dumping to DNREC’s Natural Resources Police Environmental Crimes Unit by calling the 24-hour environmental complaints line at 800-662-8802.

Media contact: Joanna Wilson, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Vol. 48, No. 242

-30-

NEWARK – Following an investigation into a recent complaint made at the state-maintained Polly Drummond Hill Road yard waste site in Newark, Delaware Natural Resources Police with DNREC’s Environmental Crimes Unit arrested a Newark man Aug. 15 for illegal dumping of refuse.

Jonathan D. Kirk, 37, was charged with one count of cause or contributing to the disposal or discharge of solid waste materials. The charge carries a minimum fine of $500. Kirk was arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 11 in New Castle, where he pleaded guilty.

The Polly Drummond Hill Road yard waste site allows Delaware residents to drop off yard waste at the site from their own residence during scheduled hours. Commercial businesses are barred from dropping off yard waste at the site. Yard waste consists of plant materials from lawn maintenance and landscaping activities such as grass clippings, leaves, brush, shrubs, garden materials, Christmas trees and tree limbs up to four inches in diameter. It is against the law to dump lumber and fencing at the site.

Residents are encouraged to report illegal trash dumping to DNREC’s Delaware Natural Resources Police Environmental Crimes Unit by calling the toll-free 24-hour environmental complaints hotline at 800-662-8802.

Vol. 48, No. 225

Media contact: Joanna Wilson, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

-30-

WILMINGTON – Following an investigation into complaints of illegal dumping in the area, Natural Resources Police Officers with DNREC’s Environmental Crimes Unit arrested a New Castle woman May 31 for illegal dumping of AA batteries at the intersection of Concord Pike and Powder Mill Road in Wilmington.

Kristen V. Hayward, 37, was charged with three counts of littering. Hayward was arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 11 in New Castle, and ordered to pay restitution to the Delaware Department of Transportation for cleanup.

Residents are encouraged to report illegal trash dumping to DNREC’s Natural Resources Police Environmental Crimes Unit by calling the 24-hour environmental complaints line at 800-662-8802.

Contact: Joanna Wilson, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Vol. 48, No. 145

MILLSBORO – Following an investigation into complaints of illegal dumping in the area, Natural Resources Police Officers with DNREC’s Environmental Crimes Unit arrested a Millsboro man May 25 for illegal dumping of refuse and yard waste debris.

Robert W. Gordy Sr., 70, was charged with two counts of using a motor vehicle during, or in the aid of the disposal or discharge of solid waste materials. The charges carry a minimum fine of $500 each.

Gordy was arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 3 in Georgetown and released on $200 unsecured bail.

Residents are encouraged to report illegal trash dumping to DNREC’s Natural Resources Police Environmental Crimes Unit by calling the 24-hour environmental complaints line at 800-662-8802.

Vol. 48, No. 139

-30-