Suffolk DA: 30 people, 9 corporations charged in illegal dumping case

<p>Suffolk District Attorney Tim Sini on Monday announced charges against 30 people and nine corporations in what he calls one of the largest environmental crime cases in New York history.</p>

News 12 Staff

Nov 26, 2018, 4:36 PM

Updated 1,977 days ago

Share:

Suffolk District Attorney Tim Sini on Monday announced charges against 30 people and nine corporations in what he calls one of the largest environmental crime cases in New York history.
The indictment alleges an ongoing pattern of illegal dumping of construction materials and dirt that Sini says is hazardous.
"These include volatile organic compounds, semi-volatile compounds, pesticides and metals such as arsenic, lead and mercury," he says.
Prosecutors say the contaminated dirt was dumped at two dozen locations across Long Island, including at a home at 515 Wilson Blvd. in Central Islip. The area remains restricted.
As News 12 reported in July, prosecutors say the scheme was organized by Anthony Grazio, the alleged "dirt broker" in the scheme. They say he advertised on Craigslist went door to door to get unsuspecting homeowners to agree to take the dirt, promising it was clean and good for home improvement projects.
Grazio would then allegedly tell the truck drivers exactly where to dump the dirt.
The DA says wiretapped audio captured Grazio's response to being told the dirt dumped in Central Islip was dangerous: "Five blocks from there, you got MS-13 killing kids, what the (expletive) are you worried about some dirt for?"
Grazio's attorney says his client will fight the allegations.
An attorney for Carlos Melgar, one of the owners of the trucking companies, says a defense expert will prove the dirt is clean.
Prosecutors say illegal dumping saves the trucking companies thousands of dollars in fees associated with legally disposing of the waste in landfills in Pennsylvania and upstate New York.
The majority of the defendants were released after arraignment without having to post bail. Grazio is free on bond but has to wear a GPS monitor.


More from News 12
1:23
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators rally in Irvington during President Biden's visits to Westchester

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators rally in Irvington during President Biden's visits to Westchester

2:29
Sunny and mild Friday for the Hudson Valley; tracking rain for Saturday

Sunny and mild Friday for the Hudson Valley; tracking rain for Saturday

0:48
President Biden announces future opening of upstate microchip factory

President Biden announces future opening of upstate microchip factory

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

0:17
Village of Walden police: Suspects found in connection to shots fired incident

Village of Walden police: Suspects found in connection to shots fired incident

0:21
Rockland County DA: Haverstraw man pleads guilty in sexual abuse of 2 children

Rockland County DA: Haverstraw man pleads guilty in sexual abuse of 2 children

0:51
Indian Point oversight board, Holtec discuss decommissioning options of former nuclear plant

Indian Point oversight board, Holtec discuss decommissioning options of former nuclear plant

0:47
State police: DNA sample from human remains found does not match profile of missing Putnam teen

State police: DNA sample from human remains found does not match profile of missing Putnam teen

0:31
New mural of Yonkers hip-hop legend Mary J. Blige unveiled at Palisade Towers

New mural of Yonkers hip-hop legend Mary J. Blige unveiled at Palisade Towers

0:35
Police find evidence in burglary while investigating a domestic dispute in Monroe

Police find evidence in burglary while investigating a domestic dispute in Monroe

0:30
Wake services held for the Westchester correction officer who died in Bronx River Parkway crash

Wake services held for the Westchester correction officer who died in Bronx River Parkway crash

Motorists encounter traffic delays, road closures in and around Irvington during President Joe Biden's visit

Motorists encounter traffic delays, road closures in and around Irvington during President Joe Biden's visit

1:42
Newburgh senior housing manager asks city for help protecting residents

Newburgh senior housing manager asks city for help protecting residents

0:25
Dramatic video captures car fire in Nanuet

Dramatic video captures car fire in Nanuet

Vote 2024: Ask your questions for Congressional District 16 Democratic candidates

Vote 2024: Ask your questions for Congressional District 16 Democratic candidates

0:24
New York appeals court overturns Harvey Weinstein’s 2020 rape conviction from landmark #MeToo trial

New York appeals court overturns Harvey Weinstein’s 2020 rape conviction from landmark #MeToo trial

0:24
Breeze Airways expands services from Westchester County Airport

Breeze Airways expands services from Westchester County Airport

1:47
Saddle up for a western-style riding adventure at Hollow Brook Riding Academy!

Saddle up for a western-style riding adventure at Hollow Brook Riding Academy!

0:26
Luxury VIP experience coming to Woodbury Common Premium Outlets

Luxury VIP experience coming to Woodbury Common Premium Outlets

2:27
How to protect spring plants from frost and freeze

How to protect spring plants from frost and freeze