Man Arrested After Dumping Boat In Pine Barrens: Sheriff

MANORVILLE, NY — A Shirley man was arrested after he dumped a large boat in the Pine Barrens Core Preservation Area, Suffolk County Sheriff Errol Toulon said.

On February 5, deputy sheriffs, working with the Central Pine Barrens Commission, arrested Timothy Hughes, 35, after he dumped a 24-foot 1980 Century boat at the end of North Weeks Avenue in Manorville, Toulon said.

The boat was clearly visible from the Long Island Expressway, he added. 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, officials said.

Hughes turned himself in to Suffolk County Sheriff's Office deputies on February 5 and received an appearance ticket for violating town code; dumping is prohibited in the Pine Barrens, Toulon said.

He was charged with a violation of Suffolk County Code 433-6, stating that he "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, Toulon said.

The charge is a misdemeanor, and he faces a fine of up to $10,000, Toulon said.

The Town of Brookhaven's department of recycling and sustainable materials management promptly removed the boat, the sheriff said.

Toulon commended 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."

Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico added: "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 Saturdays at the landfill."

However, he added: "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."