DEPUTY SHERIFFS ARREST MAN FOR DUMPING BOAT IN PINE BARRENS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

February 14, 2024

(MANORVILLE, NY) On February 5, 2024, Deputy Sheriffs working with the Central Pine Barrens Commission made an arrest involving the dumping of a large boat in the Pine Barrens Core Preservation Area.

Deputies arrested Timothy Hughes, 35, of Shirley, NY, for dumping a 24’ 1980 Century boat in the Pine Barrens Core Preservation Area at the end of North Weeks Ave. in Manorville. The boat was clearly visible from the Long Island Expressway. Working with the Central Pine Barrens Commission, Deputies were able to identify when the dumping occurred, as well as the vehicle Hughes used to transport the boat to the dump site.

Hughes turned himself in to Suffolk County Sheriff's Office Deputies on February 5, 2024, and received an appearance ticket for Brookhaven Town Code 45-4K2 (Dumping Prohibited in the Pine Barrens). He is also being charged with a violation of Suffolk County Code 433-6 (stating that defendant “knowingly dump[ed]… offensive materials or conveyances including but not limited to aircraft, vehicles, vessels or the parts thereof” in the Suffolk County Pine Barrens.) This charge is a misdemeanor, and the defendant can be fined up to $10,000. The Town of Brookhaven Department of Recycling and Sustainable Materials Management promptly removed the boat.

Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. commends his deputies for their hard work. “The Pine Barrens is one of Suffolk County’s greatest treasures. The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office conducts regular enforcement of dumping cases in the Pine Barrens and brings bad actors to justice. I am proud of the investigatory work done by these Deputies to help keep the Pine Barrens the pristine area that it is.”

Town of Brookhaven Supervisor Daniel J. Panico said, “The Town of Brookhaven has invested in a variety of new technologies to catch and curtail illegal dumping. There are a myriad of lawful methods to dispose of boats and the variety of items illegally dumped. In fact, Brookhaven Town residents can dispose of up to 500 lbs free of charge on Saturday’s at the landfill.  However, those who chose to illegally dump will be caught and prosecuted because all levels of government are now actively working together. I thank the Sheriff and his Deputies for their diligence and work - we value their partnership.”

The mission of the Central Pine Barrens Commission is “to manage land use within the Central Pine Barrens to protect its vital groundwater and surface water and the region's vast and significant natural, agricultural, historical, cultural and recreational resources for current and future Long Island residents.”

To report dumping in the Pine Barrens, please call 1-877-BARRENS.

(PHOTOS PROVIDED COURTESY OF THE SUFFOLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE)

###