Two New Jersey Men Charged in Hazardous Waste Dilemma

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News Summary

Two New Jersey men face criminal charges for illegal dumping of hazardous materials at the former Destinta Movie Theater, sparking community outrage.

Two New Jersey Men Charged in Hazardous Waste Dilemma

In a scandal that has rocked the Hudson Valley community, two men from New Jersey are facing serious criminal charges for their alleged involvement in the illegal dumping of hazardous materials at the site of a former movie theater. The incident took place at the defunct Destinta Movie Theater, located on 215 Quassaick Ave. in New Windsor, a notorious location now under scrutiny amid ongoing investigations.

Year-Long Investigation Unveils Alarming Evidence

The saga began back in April 2024 when local authorities, under the watchful eye of the New Windsor Police Department, initiated a thorough investigation into the area’s environmental safety. This multifaceted probe has involved several state agencies, including the New York State Attorney General’s Office, the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, the Department of Labor, and the Orange County District Attorney’s Office. Detectives dedicated over a year collecting evidence that has unveiled shocking details about the hazardous materials dumped at the site, which reportedly includes asbestos, a well-known health hazard.

Arrests Made: A Dangerous Duo Exposed

The individuals arrested in connection with this grim affair are identified as Gary DiGiovanni, aged 61, from Ringoes, NJ, and Dean Buncombe, aged 45, from Harrington Park, NJ. DiGiovanni found himself in the crosshairs of the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office while Buncombe was apprehended by the New Windsor Police. Both men face dire consequences for their alleged activities that have endangered not only the environment but the health of the local community.

DiGiovanni’s charges are particularly severe, encompassing multiple felonies including offering a false instrument for filing, falsifying business records, forgery, criminal possession of a forged instrument, and criminal possession of a weapon. He is currently held pending arraignment. On the other hand, Buncombe faces charges that include a felony count for offering a false instrument for filing, along with a misdemeanor for criminal possession of a forged instrument. He was released with an appearance ticket that requires him to appear in New Windsor Town Court.

The Environmental Fallout

The dumped materials represent an ominous contamination situation; reports indicate that the site was laden with at least 30 truckloads of dirt, some of which has been identified as contaminated. Local authorities have described the situation as a horrific contamination pile, with materials believed to have been trucked in from New Jersey.

New Windsor Town Supervisor Stephen Bedetti has expressed strong condemnation regarding the illegal dumping. He highlighted the potential risks the contamination poses to both the environment and the health of local residents. The community has been shaken by the revelation that this unnecessary crime could have lasting implications on their safety and wellbeing.

Future of the Former Movie Theater Site in Jeopardy

The troubling allegations surrounding the illegal dumping could have significant repercussions for the future of the area. Currently, the site is not zoned for apartments, leaving the redevelopment of this property uncertain at best. With environmental cleanup now a pressing concern, community leaders are left navigating the murky waters of what comes next for 215 Quassaick Ave.

New Windsor Police Chief Daniel Valeri has underscored the gravity of environmental crimes, stressing that they pose serious threats to the community. As investigations continue and more charges under the New York State Environmental Conservation Law loom large, this incident has stoked fears that sit at the intersection of public safety and environmental integrity.

The consequences of illegal dumping are not just limited to immediate legal ramifications, underscoring the critical need for rigorous enforcement of environmental protections and the importance of preserving community health for generations to come.