V.S. man arrested for dumping debris

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Jose Napolean Cruz Maltez, 39, of Valley Stream, and his company, L&J Stucco was arraigned on June 14 on charges of criminal mischief, prohibited disposal of solid waste, construction and demolition debris processing facilities and putting unwholesome substances on or near a highway.

These charges came after the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation followed up on a tip from the Department of Transportation on April 24, and found four piles of debris weighing 80,000 pounds on a vacant lot on Jerusalem Avenue in Uniondale.

The Department of Environmental Conservation then conducted an investigation, and traced the debris back to a residential address in Forest Hills, Queens, where demolition was taking place. The company completing the construction and demolition hired Maltez and his company, L&J Stucco, to haul away their waste.

Illegal dumping can contaminate not only the dumping site, but the harmful contaminants can also seep into the water table. The Department of Transportation estimates that cleanup costs for this site will total about $15,000.

“Illegal dumping is a serious issue, and through Governor Cuomo’s leadership, the state is cracking down on those who fail to properly dispose of construction and demolition debris and threaten public health and our natural resources,” said Basil Seggos, the Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner. “This case sends a clear message that polluters will be brought to justice.”

Maltez was released without paying a bond or a bail, and is due back in court on Aug. 17. If convicted, he could face up to seven years in prison.