Press Releases
Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection’s Illegal Dumping Investigation Leads to Conviction
For Immediate Release: Thursday, February 13, 2025
Defendants Ordered to Pay Fines to Maryland Clean Water Fund
The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced that its investigation into illegal dumping led to convictions for two individuals involved in 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. The DEP investigated the case in collaboration with the Maryland Attorney General’s Environmental and Natural Resources Crimes Unit (ENRCU).
Photo Credit: DEP Environmental Compliance Group
According to the Maryland Attorney General's office, the investigation revealed that on April 18, 2024, Beza and Dupey, employees of JPG Plumbing and Mechanical, Inc., were scheduled to vacuum water and sludge at a location in Montgomery County. The investigation stated that 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.
Photo Credit: DEP Environmental Compliance Group
A concerned citizen reported the illegal dumping, prompting Montgomery County authorities to take swift action.
“Illegal dumping is a serious threat to our environment and our communities,” said Montgomery County 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
The Maryland Attorney General’s office prosecuted Beza and Dupey. Beza pleaded guilty in December 2024, and Dupey pleaded guilty in January 2025. 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 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.”
Photo Credit: DEP Environmental Compliance Group
The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection continues to collaborate with State and local partners to ensure the enforcement of environmental laws and to ensure violators face appropriate consequences.
Visit the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection’s website for more information and ways to protect local waterways.
# # #
Media Contact: Cindy Peña 202-875-1563
Categories: Environment