Law enforcement cracks down on illegal dumping cases




Emilio Brown of Pleasanton was arrested on Aug. 5 for the alleged illegal dumping of the above 55-gallon barrels filled with burned oily debris off Taylor and Ernst Roads in Precinct 3. CONSTABLE CREGG THOMPSON | COURTESY PHOTO

Emilio Brown of Pleasanton was arrested on Aug. 5 for the alleged illegal dumping of the above 55-gallon barrels filled with burned oily debris off Taylor and Ernst Roads in Precinct 3. CONSTABLE CREGG THOMPSON | COURTESY PHOTO

In recent months, Atascosa County law enforcement have been on the hunt for any persons illegaling dumping trash and junk on county roads.

“Seems lately, everywhere I go, I find illegal dumpings. Some are even called in,” said Constable Cregg Thompson, Pct. 3. “We’ve had a rash of illegal dumpings lately. My staff and I take these cases very seriously. If you dump trash where it doesn’t belong, there is a high probability we will catch you.”

And so they did.

The weekend of Aug. 2-3, Precinct 3 saw two illegal dumpings on Taylor and Ernst Roads. Both scenes were consistent including 55-gallon barrels with burned oily debris.

“These were some really nasty sites that our employees had to clean up,” said Constable Thompson.

The second site on Ernst Road produced evidence that led Chief Deputy Constable Clint Luckett to a suspect from Pleasanton.

On Wednesday, Aug. 5, Chief Luckett secured two arrest warrants for Emilio Brown, 61, of Pleasanton.

The Atascosa County Sheriff’s Office arrested Emanuel Mendoza and James Jordan of San Antonio for allegedly illegally dumping the above 18-wheeler tires off Verdi Road on Aug. 7. ATASCOSA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE | COURTESY PHOTO

The Atascosa County Sheriff’s Office arrested Emanuel Mendoza and James Jordan of San Antonio for allegedly illegally dumping the above 18-wheeler tires off Verdi Road on Aug. 7. ATASCOSA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE | COURTESY PHOTO

Brown was transported to the Atascosa County Jail and charged with two accounts of Illegal Dumping over 5 lbs. and under 500 lbs.

“I am so proud of my staff for working these cases and locating the culprits,” said Constable Thompson. “Out of all the illegal dumpings we have worked lately, there are only a couple we haven’t identified and caught.”

The arrests didn’t stop there, though.

Sheriff David Soward announced on Monday afternoon that his deputies arrested two San Antonio men on Aug. 7 after an investigation into 24 18-wheeler tires being illegaly dumped off of Verdi Road just east of IH-37.

Deputies were alerted when a witness came upon a duo while they were dumping the tires. The witness took a photo of the act as they called dispatchers at the Sheriff’s Office. Sergeant Joe Saucedo and Deputy Sheriff Guy Bruce responded to the scene. Lieutenant Investigator Max Peralta, who was in the vicinity at the time, also responded and his vehicle was almost hit by the alleged suspects as they ran a stop sign trying to get away.

Deputies and investigators were able to corral the pair who were arrested and charged with a State Jail Felony of Dumping over 1,000 lbs. of Refuse. Deputies had the tires weighed at a nearby peanut drying plant and it revealed that they weighed 2,400 lbs.

Booked into the Atascosa County Jail on the felony Illegal Dumping charge were Emanuel M. Mendoza, 38, and James M. Jordan, 48, both of San Antonio. Bond was set at $5,000 each by Justice of the Peace, Pct. 3, Orlando Carrasco.

“This should serve as a reminder that we will investigate and search for evidence on all dumping cases,” said Sheriff Soward.

Sheriff Soward also stated that Illegal Dumping has become a bigger problem lately as his deputies work five to seven cases a week.

“We’re watching,” the Sheriff stated.

If you see anyone illegaly dumping trash and junk, please call it in to the Atascosa County Sheriff’s Office at 830-769- 3434.

“It’s even better catching them in the act,” said Constable Thompson.

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