County And City Ready To Fight Illegal Dumping

by Celina Avila

EL PASO — The El Paso County Attorney’s Office is ready to fine anyone that is involved in illegal dumping in the desert.

34-year-old George Espinoza found out the hard way. Hewas caught by Sheriff’s deputies dumping large pieced of concrete and dirt mixed with debris in the desert area in far east El Paso.

Espinoza pleaded guilty to charges of illegal dumping and it is going to cost him. He was sentenced to one year of probation and will have to pay a $3,500 fine along with court fees.

Officials say the penalty for illegal dumping ranges from a fine of up to$10,000 for an individual, up to two years in jail, or both. Some cases may result in incarceration.

Ifthe employee of anassociation or corporation is found, the company can be finedup to $10,000.

To report illegal dumping or other environmental crimescall the Sheriff’s Office or the environmental hotline at 1-888-6El-Paso.