Two people were convicted of disposing pollutants into a pond in Ashton.
Jaime A. Beza, 33, of Berwyn Heights, and Robert H. Dupey, 51, of Randallstown, pleaded guilty to violating Maryland environmental laws following an investigation by the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) in collaboration with the Maryland Attorney General’s Environmental and Natural Resources Crimes Unit.
The two men were ordered to pay fines to the Maryland Clean Water Fund.
According to the state Attorney General’s office, on April 18, 2024, Beza and Dupey, employees of JPG Plumbing and Mechanical, Inc., were scheduled to vacuum water and sludge in Montgomery County.
After Beza and Dupey picked up a truck from JPG’s business lot in Laurel, they discovered that the tank was filled with too much grease and other pollutants to complete the job. Instead of making the two-hour round-trip drive to dispose of the waste properly at the Blue Plains Wastewater Treatment Facility in Washington, D.C., they drove to nearby Ashton to quickly empty the tank by illegally dumping the contents of their truck into a pond, according to the Attorney General’s office.
A concerned citizen reported the illegal dumping, prompting Montgomery County to begin an investigation.
Beza pleaded guilty in December 2024, and Dupey pleaded guilty in January. Beza received probation, a $2,000 fine and a suspended jail sentence, while Dupey received probation and a $1,000 fine. Fines will go to the Maryland Clean Water Fund. JPG Plumbing, the plumbing company, also faced responsibility, paying more than $69,000 in cleanup costs.
“This case serves as a reminder of the crucial role environmental compliance plays in maintaining the health of our community and natural resources,” said Montgomery County DEP Director Jon Monger. “It also highlights the importance of community involvement and the strong partnership between our community, our department and State law enforcement in holding violators accountable.”
“Illegal dumping is a serious threat to our environment and our communities,” said Executive Marc Elrich. “This case shows why enforcement is critical. Thanks to a vigilant resident, our Department of Environmental Protection and the Maryland Attorney General’s Office, those responsible were held accountable. Polluters who cut corners at the expense of public health will face consequences. Montgomery County will continue to protect our waterways and ensure environmental laws are enforced.”
Photo Credit: DEP Environmental Compliance Group
