Ohio Sheriff Charges Two for Dumping Garbage in Wildlife Preserve

A sheriff in Ohio has announced that the two people seen on surveillance footage dumping garbage in a wildlife preserve have been identified and charged.

The Hocking County Sheriff’s Office posted the surveillance video in July, asking members of the public to help them identify the couple seen dumping televisions, tires, and other trash in a forest off Sand Run Road, in the vicinity of the Sunday Creek State Wildlife Area.

“If you have information on the identity of the two individuals, please contact the Hocking County Sheriff’s Office at 740-385-2131 or by sending us a message,” said the sheriff’s office on Facebook.

The office said late Thursday, Aug. 30 that with assistance it had identified the suspects. The man and the woman have been charged with littering after being confronted by officers with the Ohio Division of Wildlife and confessing.

The Sheriff's office in Ohio is searching for a pair of unidentified individuals captured on security cameras illegally disposing of waste in an environmentally protected area. (Screengrab via Hocking County Sheriff's Office)

Littering and Another Charge

“Based on tips we received as a direct result of this post, we identified the two individuals who were littering,” the office said.

Corey Webb and Amanda Pyke, both of Perry County, were charged with littering on state property and operating a vehicle in a non-designated area, both of which are misdemeanors.

“The Hocking County Sheriff’s Office and the Ohio Division of Wildlife would like to give a big THANK YOU to everyone who assisted with identifying the pair,” the office added.

A woman was captured on surveillance video illegally disposing of items in a protected area. (Screengrab via Hocking County Sheriff’s Office)

The man unlawfully discards waste in an environmentally protected zone. (Screengrab via Hocking County Sheriff’s Office)

Sunday Creek State Wildlife Area

The Sunday Creek Wildlife Area is part of the William H. O'Dowd Wildlife Area, according to the Athens Conservancy.

The entire area is 6,696 acres.

The Sunday Creek Wildlife Area was designated under a lease agreement with the Sunday Creek Coal Company; the state Division of Wildlife used federal money as well as a legacy from O'Dowd to purchase much of the Sunday Creek lands to establish the area.

From NTD.tv