FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 9, 2001
Leon County Man Arrested A Second Time For Illegal
Disposal Of Hazardous Waste
--Public exposed to dangerous material-
TALLAHASSEE -- -
Frank Marrone of Tallahassee, owner of G.F.A. Salvage, was arrested today on
one felony count of illegal commercial dumping, one felony count of illegal
disposal of hazardous waste in a non-permitted facility, and one felony
count of transporting hazardous waste without a manifest. Marrone’s arrest
- the second in less than four months - follows a continuing criminal
investigation initiated by the Department of Environmental Protection’s
Division of Law Enforcement.
Marrone, who
operates his business at 2100 Autumn Lane in Tallahassee, was arrested this
morning, booked into the Leon County jail, and is being held without bond.
The charges are being filed directly with the State Attorney’s Office in
Tallahassee.
The current
investigation began nearly three months ago, soon after his first arrest by
DEP for felony commercial dumping. It was also alleged that Marrone had
improperly disposed of raw sewage by dumping it into Munson Slough. Today’s
arrest involves the disposal of hazardous material at the local Salvation
Army Thrift Store at 2131 Jackson Bluff Road.
Marrone is alleged
to have knowingly left cans of hazardous waste outside of the Salvation Army
in an attempt to quickly dispose of it due to the ongoing DEP criminal
investigation. A witness observed Marrone unloading dozens of what appeared
to be paint cans in front of the Salvation Army, which was closed at the
time. Some of the cans were corroded and leaking. Children were observed to
have been playing among the cans.
In addition to Mr.
Maronne’s arrest, officers are executing another search warrant on his
property to excavate and sample sites where hazardous waste has reportedly
been buried. Some of these sites were developed from information obtained
from the execution of the first search warrant on June 25.
“This is one of
our Division’s more disturbing cases to date,” said Thomas Tramel,
director of DEP’s Division of Law Enforcement. “There appears to be an
appalling lack of concern for public health and safety. Fortunately, some
quick action prevented a serious problem from occurring, but this behavior
must have consequences.”
Each of today’s
charges are third degree felonies punishable by up to five years in prison
and/or a fine of up to $50,000 for each day of violation for each count.
Citizens wishing to
report crimes that can severely impact the environment or public health can
offer tips to environmental investigators by calling toll-free: 1-877-2
SAVE FL or (1-877-272-8335). Phones will be attended 24-hours per day,
with tips immediately directed to DEP’s Division of Law Enforcement for
follow-up.
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