FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE: December 12, 2002
DEP
Submits
Evidence in Prosthetics
Dumping Case
TALLAHASSEE
– The
Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Division
of Law Enforcement announced today that it has submitted
its evidence in a case regarding the dumping of human
prosthetic devices in the St. Johns River to the State
Attorney’s Office in Palatka. The State Attorney’s
Office will review this case and decide whether to
prosecute and file charges against Watts Funeral Home and
Crematory.
On
April 17, 2001, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office
notified DEP that it had recovered 184 pieces of
artificial replacement joints and numerous bone fragments
from the St. Johns River near Pico Road boat ramp in
Putnam County. In early May, the recovered material was
transported to the C.A. Pound Human Identification
Laboratory at the University of Florida. Examination
identified up to 53 human prosthetics devices, including
shoulders, hips, knees, and vertebrae support, according
to a doctor’s report.
After
DEP Special Agents conducted interviews with residents who
lived in the vicinity of the boat ramp where the
prosthetics and bones were recovered, they focused their
investigation on Watts Funeral Home. Agents met with
doctors from the University of Florida to identify
recipients of the metal prostheses. Several parts
examined, as well as other discovered evidence, were
traced back to Watts Funeral Home and Crematory.
Dumping
of waste generated by a commercial operation is a felony
violation of Florida’s environmental law.
-30-
Press Office
