Arrests made after DeKalb church targeted by illegal tire dumpers
DeKalb church hit 3 times by tire dumpers; arrests made
Leaders in DeKalb County say they are intensifying efforts to stop illegal tire dumping, announcing multiple arrests tied to the ongoing crackdown.
DEKALB COLUNTY, Ga. - DeKalb County authorities have arrested 10 individuals accused of running an illegal tire dumping scheme that repeatedly targeted a local church and locations across the county.
What we know:
The DeKalb County Police Department said 10 people have been arrested since the launch of the county’s Digital Shield safety initiative, which was introduced by CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson to address illegal dumping in neighborhoods.
Authorities said the most recent case began after a complaint on March 23 about more than 300 tires dumped at the Temple of Faith Apostolic Church on Glenfair Road. Officials said the dumping occurred overnight between March 21 and March 22, creating both financial and environmental challenges for the church.
The following morning, officers were flagged down near Glenwood Road regarding suspicious activity involving tires. Police said they encountered Joseph Franklin, who was driving a U-Haul truck carrying about 30 used tires.
During the investigation, officers also discovered additional tires that had been dumped behind the church property. Franklin was arrested and taken to the DeKalb County Jail, where he faces two counts of illegal dumping. The case remains under investigation.
Joseph Franklin. Provided by DeKalb County Police Department.
Investigators identified Franklin as a primary suspect, but the investigation led to the arrests of nine additional individuals: Michael Roberts, Mario Ware, Ayetigbo Olayemi, Marvio Ramey, Keith Sampson, Casey Hight, Aaron Burton, Gabriel Trawick, and Marley Distin.
What we don't know:
While 10 arrests have been made, police have not yet identified all individuals involved in the wider dumping network.
It is currently unclear if the suspects are working for a single entity or multiple independent tire disposal companies.
What they're saying:
"The pain that we have to go through, I wouldn't wish that on anybody," Pastor Herman Ellison of the Temple of Faith Ministries said.
DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson explained that the suspects are allegedly middle-men.
"You have individuals that are taking monies to properly dispose of tires, and then they are turning them over to second parties or simply illegally discarding them themselves," Cochran-Johnson said.
PREVIOUS STORIES
- DeKalb pastor 'overwhelmed' by massive tire dumping at church
- DeKalb County church tire dumping: Pastor 'disheartened' by illegal mess
- DeKalb County launches $250K cleanup to remove illegal tires
What you can do:
Despite the arrests, police said illegal dumping continues to be an issue and warned that enforcement efforts will remain ongoing.
Investigators are also seeking four additional suspects who have outstanding warrants related to illegal dumping cases. Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact police or submit anonymous tips through the department’s mobile app or by texting "DKPD" to 847411, followed by the tip.
What's next:
Police say they are still looking for more suspects involved in tire dumping.
Under Georgia state law, the penalties for illegal dumping are determined by the total weight of the tires discarded.
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DeKalb County arrests 10 in illegal tire dumping crackdown
DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson and Police Chief Gregory Padrick announced the arrest of 10 individuals linked to a massive illegal tire dumping operation. The crackdown, part of the "Digital Shield" safety initiative, follows a recent case where over 300 tires were dumped at the Temple of Faith Apostolic Church. Officials identified 42 dumping "hot spots" across the county and are pursuing additional suspects. CEO Cochran-Johnson emphasized that these "organized environmental crimes" will face strict enforcement and potential felony charges.