Two arrested after investigators trace illegal dumping site in Lehigh Acres

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA, (WINK) — Two people are facing felony charges after Lee County investigators say they illegally dumped more than 2,700 pounds of furniture and household debris along a Lehigh Acres roadway.

The investigation began in February when Lee County Solid Waste alerted the Lee County Sheriff's Office to a large dump site on Sparta Avenue.

Deputies responding to the scene found a pile of discarded furniture and debris left along the road. According to Sheriff Carmine Marceno, investigators immediately began searching through the material for clues that could identify who was responsible.

That search led detectives to a Naples homeowner.

Marceno said the homeowner told investigators he had hired a company to legally remove furniture from his property. Detectives then worked to determine where the debris went after it was removed.

Using license plate reader technology and other investigative techniques, deputies say they were able to connect a trailer traveling from Naples to Lehigh Acres with the dumped furniture.

The investigation ultimately led to the arrests of Angelia Diaz, 37, and Andy Serrano, 31.

Both suspects are charged with dumping or littering more than 500 pounds on a public roadway, a felony under Florida law.

While announcing the arrests Thursday, Marceno said the case highlights a broader challenge in Lehigh Acres.

"It's unfortunate that Lehigh is the target in this crime," Marceno said.

The sheriff said illegal dumping cases can be difficult to solve because offenders often choose remote areas and may return to locations where debris has already been discarded.

"Illegal dumping is very hard to identify, more importantly, to find your suspects," Marceno said.

To combat the problem, the sheriff's office says it relies heavily on technology, including surveillance cameras and license plate reader systems. Marceno said deputies can also deploy undercover investigators and additional patrol resources to areas that repeatedly experience illegal dumping.

According to Marceno, Lehigh Acres' large size and undeveloped areas can make it attractive to people looking for places to dump debris illegally.

Residents who spot illegal dumping can report it to the Lee County Sheriff's Office through the agency's non-emergency line at (239) 477-1000. Marceno also encouraged residents to contact the sheriff's office if they see debris accumulating in an area or notice a location becoming a frequent dumping site.

Marceno also highlighted the agency's Community Cleanup Crew program, which uses inmates to help remove litter and debris throughout Lee County.

"We want to keep this place clean and beautiful," Marceno said.