FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 30, 2002
Father, Son Arrested for Felony Littering
TALLHASSEE
- William McCoy Weeks, 57, and William McCore Weeks, 38, a
father and son, both of Marianna, were arrested and
charged late this evening with one count each of felony
littering.
The Florida
Department of Environmental Protection’s Division of Law
Enforcement, after receiving several citizen complaints,
initiated a two-month investigation in late May of this
year. DEP’s law enforcement personnel were assisted in
this investigation by DEP’s Division of Environmental
Regulation, the Jackson County Department of Community
Development, and the Florida Department of Health.
Both father
and son have been involved in the refuse collection
business for the past 10 years. During this time, they
have been warned repeatedly and have received civil
penalties springing from violations of Florida’s litter
law and other environmental regulations. A criminal
warrant was obtained for the arrest of both men after DEP
officers visited the Weeks’ home at 6117 Coastal Trail
in Marianna and found trucks loaded with refuse that had
been collected from other residences and illegally
deposited in the backyard. A strong odor was allegedly
emanating from the residence.
Because the
Weeks’ live in and accumulated garbage in a residential
area, the trash became not only a general nuisance, but a
public health concern as well.
Both
suspects will appear before a Jackson County Circuit judge
later today. Felony Littering is punishable by up to 5
years of imprisonment and/or a $5,000 dollar fine.
-30-
Press Office
