Investigation by Georgia Agency Results in Conviction

An investigation by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division into the unlawful dumping of several tons of broken glass and other trash has resulted in the conviction of a Bowdon, Ga. man. A Haralson County Superior Court jury found Sherman McAdams guilty of felony charges involving open dumping and transporting solid waste without a permit.

McAdams was accused of accepting $48,000 from a glass recycler to properly dispose of the waste. Instead, according to investigators, the waste was dumped on private property throughout Haralson County. Court testimony linked McAdams to the dumping of approximately 200 truckloads of broken glass mixed with garbage, rubber and other debris. EPD is asking citizens to report any undiscovered dumpsites.

"Sherman McAdams showed blatant disregard for the health and safety of the citizens of Haralson County," said Lee deGrazia, senior EPD legal advisor and special assistant district attorney. "In at least one instance, the waste was dumped on private property and the property owners were told they would have to pay McAdams to clean it up."

"We are pleased with the verdict and would like to express our gratitude for the efforts and assistance of Ms. deGrazia and Department of Natural Resources Investigator Captain Elysia Greenlee," said Haralson County District Attorney Don Wilson, who assisted with the prosecution. "Without their efforts, the successful prosecution in this case would not have been possible."

Mc Adams could be sentenced to more than 40 years in prison and ordered to pay fines totaling as much as $750,000.

The EPD investigation into the unlawful dumping began in 1997. EPD is the state agency that regulates solid waste facilities, and enforces laws that prohibit open dumping and the improper disposal of solid waste.