Los Angeles:  Four men have been arrested for taking money and allowing illegal dumping on Los Angeles City property.

Detectives from LAPD’s Commercial Crimes Division (CCD), Burglary Special Section, received a tip that Los Angeles City Street Services employees were, during off hours, opening the Southwest Transfer Station at 5860 Wilton Street and allowing non-city vehicles to dump unauthorized waste in the yard for a fee.

Detectives began surveillance of the location and on July 27, 2005, at approximately 6:00 p.m., several large non-city vehicles were seen entering the exiting the city yard via the south entrance.  Detectives, along with patrol units from 77th Division, entered the yard where they saw approximately 20 trucks.  Many of vehicles were loaded with debris.  Some of the vehicles were empty and positioned to depart the yard.  Detectives detained 49 people in the yard.  Four of the persons detained were identified as the operators of the illegal dumping side business.

Arrested for Grand Theft were: Manuel Crawford, a 9-year employee of Street Services and resident of Fontana; Adebola Kannike, a 16-year employee of Street Services and resident of Norwalk; Jose Sanchez, a 26-year former Street Services employee and resident of La Puente; and Arthur Barton, not a city employee and resident of Los Angeles.

The preliminary investigation revealed the operators would charge local debris haulers, landscapers and contractors up to $100 per vehicle to dump their loads in the yard.

The public is reminded that reports of illegal dumping can be made to Street Services at 213-485-0711, or by dialing 311 after hours.

For further information contact Captain Michael Chambers, Commanding Officer of CCD, at 213-485-4131.