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Video Surveillance Catches Illegal Dumping Suspects

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Two men faced misdemeanor charges Tuesday after they were caught on video illegally dumping waste in El Sereno, city officials said.

Pablo Reyes Hernandez, 56, and Fredy Noe Gonzales, 43, are accused of dumping waste and debris on Round Drive on three separate occasions, according to charges filed by City Attorney Carmen Trutanich.

Hernandez was charged with four counts that included misdemeanor violations for alleged dumping on May 20, when a surveillance camera reportedly captured him throwing waste and debris from the bed of his pickup truck onto the ground.

Gonzales was also charged with eight counts that included misdemeanor violations for two dumping incidents on June 13 and June 28 at the same location. Officials say surveillance footage from both days shows  Gonzales throwing waste and debris onto the ground from the bed of his pickup truck.

Trutanich and Councilmember José Huizar announced the misdemeanor charges after meeting with local residents who complained about illegal dumping in the neighborhood.

Huizar worked with the city's Bureau of Sanitation to secure a video camera from the California Air Resources Board to capture footage, which ultimately led to an investigation and the filing of charges by Trutanich.

As part of these efforts, Trutanich confirmed that surveillance cameras have been activated at suspected dump sites throughout the city, according to a statement.

"Thanks to hard work and our use of technology we were able to charge these suspects with crimes against our quality of life," Trutanich said. "But this kind of vigilance requires a team effort and we need all Angelenos to be on the lookout for criminals trashing our neighborhoods."

Any residents who see illegal dumping activity in their neighborhoods were urged to call (800)773-2489 (CITY) or 311.

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