Construction Owner From LI Charged After 24 Tons Of Concrete Dumped In Woods: Sheriff

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — A Long Island construction company owner has been charged in connection with illegal dumping in the area of the Pine Barrens, the Suffolk Sheriff's office said Tuesday.

Joao Abreau, of Port Jefferson, the owner of Chase Construction Enterprises, was charged with felony criminal mischief for dumping 24 tons of concrete in a remote wooded area off of Long Island Avenue in Yaphank, according to Sheriff Errol Toulon's office.

Abreu faces up to seven years in prison, and additional charges are pending, including fines up to $150,000.

The six-week joint investigation by the Suffolk Sheriff's office’s Criminal Investigations Bureau, and the county District Attorney’s BEAST Unit, which probes environmental cases, included license plate checks, vehicle tracking, background checks, and witness interviews, Toulon's office said.

Abreu, who had 27 license suspensions and did not hold a valid CDL license, had his commercial vehicle, which was used in the crime, seized and was found to have 19 safety violations, Toulon's office said, adding that it was immediately placed out of service by the sheriff's Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit.

Toulon noted the sheriff's office has been patrolling the Pine Barrens for over 30 years and we take our role very seriously."

“These arrests are a direct result of enhanced surveillance, interagency teamwork, and the diligence of our environmental enforcement units," he said. "Both individuals could have disposed of their waste legally — but they chose not to. Illegal dumping is lazy and harmful to our Island’s environment and taxpayers’ wallets.”

DA Ray Tierney said the alleged acts of illegal dumping in the region's "treasured" Pine Barrens were "egregious and demonstrated a blatant disregard for environmental laws designed to protect our ecosystem."

“I want to express my gratitude to the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office who along with our Pine Barrens Enforcement partnership were instrumental in bringing these alleged offenders to justice," he said. "Suffolk County’s environmental heritage is not negotiable, and we will continue pursuing maximum penalties for individuals who choose to prioritize convenience over conservation of our irreplaceable natural resources.”

County Executive Ed Romaine said, "The environment is precious, and one of the reasons why Suffolk County is such a beautiful place to be. These types of crimes cannot and will not be tolerated, and law enforcement will find and arrest anybody who dares to illegally dispose of any waste in Suffolk County."

Toulon also highlighted the Pine Barrens Enforcement partnership as well as their investigative tools, which include trail cameras, license plate readers, and other advanced technology helping to catch and deter dumpers.

His office urges residents to be vigilant and report illegal dumping by calling 1-877-BARRENS.