You’re on candid camera! DA McMahon goes on the offensive on dumpers caught on tape

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — If there’s one thing that our elected officials agree on it’s that dumping on Staten Island should be curbed for good.

In 2019, the office of Richmond County District Attorney Michael McMahon announced an initiative partnering with the Department of Sanitation, the Parks Department, and other local organizations in a multi-prong effort to investigate, prosecute, and ultimately prevent further illegal dumping on the Island.

Consistent surveillance has yielded overwhelmingly positive results with cameras owned by McMahon’s office being set up in dumping hot spots, and with the DA’s office then working alongside DSNY enforcement to issue summonses to offenders in addition to the impounding the vehicles used.

In the five years since, this joint effort has resulted in 143 incidents of individuals captured, for a total of $334,004 in fines.

Earlier this year, the DSNY released a highlight video of an Island dump bust, which resulted in an impounded car and a $4,000 summons.

According to figures submitted by McMahon’s office, 2023 will be the third consecutive year over $80k in fines, with 42 cases so far this year resulting in $81,429 in fines, with another two cases currently pending.

“Illegal dumping is the type of self-centered, classless, and entitled behavior that drives law-abiding Staten Islanders mad,” said McMahon. “Thanks to the incredible efforts of my Detective Investigators working hand in hand with the Department of Sanitation, we have caught hundreds of these selfish Staten Islanders and as a result, levied nearly half a million dollars in fines, impounded dozens of vehicles, and sent a clear message to Staten Islanders that illegal dumpers will be caught and held accountable. Our streets and natural environments deserve to be…