Four Arrested for Environmental Crimes

Four violators were recently arrested for damaging the environment the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Division of Law Enforcement said today.

• Monday, October 11, 2010, Broward County:  Juan Carlos Ramos-Castro, 23, Andres Juan Espinal, 29, and Darryl Hines, 31, employees of the Patriot Recycling Group, Inc., were arrested for illegally storing waste tires at an unpermitted facility in Oakland Park. Ramos-Castro, Espinal, and Hines are each charged with violating Florida Statute 403.413(4)(a), Florida Litter Law (for commercial purposes), a third degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison and/or a fine up to $5,000. They are also each charged with violating Florida Statute 403.161(1)(b), Failure to Obtain Permit, a first degree misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail and/or a fine up to $10,000.

• Tuesday, October 12, 2010, Bay County:  Emanuel Howard, 63, was issued a Notice to Appear for dumping approximately 40 gallons of used motor oil in a propane tank at a property he owns in Fountain. Howard is charged with Florida Statute 403.161(1)(b), Failure to Obtain Permit, a first degree misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail and/or a fine up to $10,000.

“Enforcing environmental laws is a vital part of DEP’s mission,” said DEP Division of Law Enforcement Director Henry Barnet. “We encourage Florida’s residents and visitors to help protect Florida’s valuable natural resources and report any suspected environmental crimes by calling (877) 2-SAVE-FL or #DEP from most wireless devices.”