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A 53-year-old Key Largo man, William Montano Balmaceda, was arrested this week on charges of reportedly dumping over three tons of trash, including furniture and appliances, on Monroe County property, according to reports. Local10 reported that the illegal dump comprised a staggering 6,640 pounds of debris ranging from household garbage to vehicle parts on the Monroe County Housing Authority's property on Harry Davis Circle.
Despite multiple warnings, Montano Balmaceda claimed to have removed the trash, a statement later contradicted by authorities. After being warned several times, “Montano Balmaceda told the Sheriff’s Office he removed the trash after being warned several times, but he never did,” Keys News reported, affirming his failure to do so. Following the community cleanup effort that took place last Tuesday, November 18, a warrant was obtained for his arrest, and he was taken into custody. Various materials were found in the pile, including couches, plywood, and metal.
Community clean-up efforts by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO), Monroe County Public Works, and the Monroe County Housing Authority were necessary to clear the site. The MCSO emphasized that the debris had to be removed to restore the condition of the property. "Montano Balmaceda dumped 6,640 pounds of debris/trash that included, but not limited to, household garbage, couches, plywood, chairs, metal, glass, appliances, lawn equipment, bicycles, and vehicle parts,” the agency stated, according to Keys News.
As for Montano Balmaceda’s legal proceedings, details about his bond were not made available immediately, as per the Local10. Arrested earlier in the week, "A warrant was issued for Montano Balmaceda’s arrest, and he was booked into the county jail," the Local10 article clarified. Upon his arrest, he is facing a charge of illegally dumping or littering exceeding 500 pounds. Information regarding his court date or legal representation was not immediately known.
