County Attorney Press Releases

Socorro Resident Arrested For Allegedly Dumping Solid Waste On Neighbor’s Property

El Paso County Attorney Jo Anne Bernal today announced the arrest of a Socorro resident who has been charged with violating the Texas Health and Safety Code by illegally dumping solid waste in Socorro, Texas.

According to the El Paso County Sheriff's Office, 58 year-old Victor Manuel Villanueva is charged with two counts of illegal dumping of more than 500 but less than 1,000 pounds, in violation of the Texas Health and Safety Code § 365.012. The offense is punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a $4,000 fine.

"The illegal dumping of solid waste and household trash continues to be a serious problem in the unincorporated areas of El Paso County," said El Paso County Attorney Jo Anne Bernal.

"Besides affecting the health, safety and quality of life of the families, illegal dumping costs taxpayers thousands of dollars every year in investigation, prosecution, and clean-up costs," Bernal concluded.

The penalty for individuals found guilty of illegal dumping ranges from a fine of up to $10,000, to up to 2 years in jail, or both.

To report illegal dumping or other environmental crimes call your local law enforcement agency:  911 if you see it happening; the Environmental Hotline at 1-888-6EL-PASO, El Paso Police Dept. at 832-4400, or El Paso Sheriff's Dept. at 546-2280.

The El Paso City's Citizen Collection Stations operate Tuesday - Saturday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Users are required to show a copy of the most recent water bill and an identification. The collection stations accept household hazardous waste, but not construction and demolition debris. The sites are located at:

  • Northeast: 4501 Hondo Pass
  • Westside: 121 Atlantic at Doniphan
  • Central: 2492 Harrison at Alabama
  • South: 4200 Delta
  • Lower Valley 9000 Escobar at Zaragoza

For more information contact El Paso County Attorney's Environmental Prosecutor Patsy López at (915) 546-2050.

Villanueva Arrest Press Release.pdf