Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) led an investigation into illegal dumping, resulting in convictions for two men who illegally disposed of pollutants. Jaime A. Beza and Robert H. Dupey, employees of JPG Plumbing and Mechanical, Inc., pleaded guilty to dumping waste into an Ashton pond.
According to a Montgomery County release, Beza and Dupey were supposed to dispose of waste at the Blue Plains Wastewater Treatment Facility but decided to dump it in the pond instead when their truck became too full to finish the job. Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, said, "Illegal dumping is a serious threat to our environment and our communities."
On April 18, 2024, Beza and Dupey dumped the truck's contents into the pond. Their convictions followed an investigation by the DEP and the Maryland Attorney General's Environmental and Natural Resources Crimes Unit (ENRCU).
Beza was sentenced in December 2024, receiving probation, a $2,000 fine, and a suspended jail sentence. Dupey was sentenced in January, receiving probation and a $1,000 fine. JPG Plumbing was also fined over $69,000 for cleanup costs.
Jon Monger, DEP Director, said in the same release, "This case serves as a reminder of the crucial role environmental compliance plays in maintaining the health of our community and natural resources." The DEP continues to work with local and state partners to enforce environmental laws. More information on these efforts is available on the DEP website.
