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VOLUSIA COUNTY – Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) law enforcement agents served a search warrant on
a Volusia County resident on June 25 for crushing and burying cathode ray tubes (CRTs), picture tubes from televisions and
computers, on his property. Robbin Griffiths has been the subject of a felony investigation for the improper storage and disposal
of hazardous waste, a third degree felony, punishable by up to five years imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $5,000.
“This search warrant was the product of a two month investigation by the Bureau of Environmental Investigations in coordination
with the Ormond Beach Police Department's Neighborhood Improvement Division,” said DEP Division of Law Enforcement Director Henry
Barnet. “With their assistance, DEP agents were able to solve the crime quickly and efficiently.”
A complaint from the Ormond Beach Police Department’s Neighborhood Improvement Division led to the involvement of DEP agents. Upon
serving the warrant at the property, DEP agents discovered Griffiths’ girlfriend, Aprille Rhynard, in the process of manufacturing
methamphetamine. She was arrested by the Volusia Bureau of Investigation and DEP agents. Additional evidence related to the “meth
lab” was gathered, and additional criminal charges may result.
DEP agents continued to search the property and found three burial sites with crushed CRTs along with a wheel barrow of crushed
CRTs that were being prepared for burial. CRTs can be classified as a hazardous waste due to the amount of lead contained in the
glass. Soil samples surrounding the burial sites, along with other samples, were obtained and submitted to DEP’s lab in
Tallahassee for analysis. Based on lab results, felony charges may be made against Griffiths for the burial of waste material on
the property, which could potentially harm the environment. Additionally, DEP hazardous waste specialists assisted with the
warrant, and will be following up to ensure a proper cleanup of the property is conducted.
DEP’s Division of Law Enforcement is responsible for statewide environmental 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 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.
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