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POLK COUNTY- Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) law
enforcement agents recently arrested Polk County resident Lenord Nash for
illegally collecting more than 2,000 pounds of debris on his property for a
scrap metal business. Nash was charged with felony dumping of greater than 500
pounds, a third degree felony, punishable by up to five years imprisonment
and/or a fine of up to $5,000, and three counts of failure to comply with
environmental rules, a first degree misdemeanor punishable by up to six months
imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $10,000.
“Profiting from an environmental crime will not be tolerated,” said DEP
Division of Law Enforcement Director Henry Barnet. “Thanks to watchful eyes and
community awareness, DEP agents were able to investigate the situation and
respond quickly.”
DEP law enforcement officials received a complaint from a neighbor who
noticed Nash digging holes and burying debris. When agents arrived to Nash’s
residence they observed that the property contained old cars, air conditioning
units, tires, batteries and construction and demolition debris. Nash was also
dumping waste onto the adjacent property, belonging to his sister, without her
permission. Improper disposal of waste and burying of such materials could
potentially harm Florida’s environment. Nash has an extensive history with the
Polk County Code Enforcement in regards to waste on his property
DEP’s Division of Law Enforcement is responsible for statewide environmental
resource law enforcement, providing law enforcement services to Florida’s state
parks and greenways and trails. Agents investigate environmental resource crimes
and illegal dredge and fill activities, and respond to natural disasters, civil
unrest, hazardous material incidents and oil spills that can threaten the
environment.
To report an environmental crime, wireless customers can now dial #DEP.
Callers can also report environmental crimes to the State Warning Point by
calling (877) 2-SAVE-FL (1.877.272.8335). General environmental inquiries should
be directed to DEP district offices during business hours.
For more information about DEP’s Division of Law Enforcement, visit
www.dep.state.fl.us/law. | 
