Newark Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose reports the arrest of Ms. Edna Colon, 44, and Mr. Jose M. Rivera, 42, both of Newark, for an incident of illegal dumping last night, bringing the number of arrests citywide to 46 since the task force was initiated in June.
According to police, The Illegal Dumping Task Force comprises members of the Newark Police and Fire Divisions as well as city Sanitation personnel, to identify companies and individuals who illegally dump debris in the City of Newark.
Illegal dumping offenders are fined for the cleanup and face criminal charges, including court costs authorities said.
The vehicles used to dump debris are also towed as part of the arrest.
Authorities said Task Force members use surveillance cameras to target locations where citizen complaints of illegal dumping are identified and where these offenses are most prevalent.
In last night’s arrest, authorities said members of the Illegal Dumping Task Force observed Colon and Rivera unloading a black 2-door Ford Ranger pickup truck of several large pieces of black top in the area of 49-59 Riverside Avenue shortly before 6 p.m.
Both suspects were immediately arrested and charged with Illegal Dumping and Illegal Transport of Solid Waste.
The vehicle used to transport the dumped materials was towed. These charges are merely accusations.
Each suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
“I commend members of the Illegal Dumping Task Force for their commitment to improving the quality of life of Newark residents by apprehending those who violate our dumping laws,” Director Ambrose said. “We have made nearly 50 arrests in only five months and we will continue our efforts toward putting an end to this practice in our city. I am also grateful to those concerned citizens who have assisted us by reporting these offenses.”
Director Ambrose urges anyone with information about any incident of illegal dumping within the City of Newark to call the Department's 24-hour Crime Stopper tip line at 1-877-NWK-TIPS (1-877-695-8477) or 1-877-NWK-GUNS (1-877-695-4867).
All anonymous Crime Stopper tips are kept confidential and could result in a reward.