Release Date: February 10, 2010

Contact:

Linda Groberg, Senior Deputy District Attorney

(805) 662-1705

District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced today that Ryan Philip Edelstein (DOB 05/11/85 ), of Thousand Oaks , pled guilty to the unlawful discharge of materials into a sewer, a misdemeanor, in violation of Penal Code section 374.2(a). The charges arose from the unlawful disposal of carpet cleaning waste into the sewer system in the city of Thousand Oaks by accessing a sewer manhole. A concerned citizen reported the activity to the police, resulting in the issuance of a citation and subsequent criminal charges.

Some jurisdictions issue permits for certain businesses to access the public sewer system for discharge of certain types of waste. The City of Thousand Oaks does not allow anyone to access the public sewer system, and the removal of manhole covers to access the city sewer system is prohibited by city ordinance.

The defendant was ordered to pay a fine of $250 and an additional $100 to the State Restitution Fund. He was placed on misdemeanor probation for a period of 12 months, requiring him to obey all laws and provide proof of proper disposal of any waste. The code provides that any subsequent violations could be charged as a felony offense.

Without the vigilance and assistance of private citizens, crimes of unlawful disposal or dumping often go unsolved. This prosecution should also serve as a deterrent to other businesses that are responsible for knowing and complying with all applicable rules and regulations. Additional resources and information can be accessed at the following websites: www. vcstormwater.org or www. cleanwatershed.org .