Illegal Waste Disposal Alleged
A Moorpark man faces criminal charges for allegedly dumping hazardous waste in an industrial park.
Prosecutors say John Patrick Alexander, 37, threw away hundreds of containers of paint and solvent into several private waste bins during a “midnight dumping” incident in Moorpark on April 20.
The environmental protection division of the district attorney’s office has charged Alexander with two felony counts of unlawful hazardous waste disposal and depositing hazardous substances onto another person’s property. He also faces two misdemeanor charges involving unlawful disposal of liquid latex paint and dumping of commercial waste.
Altratron Technology Inc. of Moorpark paid $3,585 to clean up and properly dispose of the hazardous materials that were left on its site.
Deputy Dist. Atty. Mitchell Disney said companies that illegally dump such waste are usually trying to get out of paying to properly dispose of the materials. Businesses cannot use regular household hazardous waste disposal sites and often have to contract with disposal companies to remove the materials.
Alexander’s arraignment is scheduled for Jan. 17. If convicted, Alexander could be sentenced to up to three years and eight months in prison.
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