UPDATE: Two charged with dumping 2,780 lb of trash in the Ocala National Forest
Dumpsite photos courtesy of FWC; mugshots of Reese and Cardwell (far right).
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Northeast Region
The protection of Florida’s natural resources is a joint effort between the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), local agencies and residents.
A common occurrence in Marion County has been illegal dumping of garbage in the Ocala National Forest.
On June 3, 2024, FWC officers investigated a report from the Marion County Litter Task Force regarding illegal dumping. The dumpsite within the Ocala National Forest consisted of 2,780 lb. of household trash, including furniture and appliances.
While investigating this dumping, officers found information linking the garbage to an Ocala, Florida address involved in an active code enforcement case through the City of Ocala. The file contained images of the same trash loaded on a trailer in their lawn, connecting them to the dumpsite.
After he told FWC officers he was the one who had dumped the litter, 41 year-old Gary Cardwell, of Ocala, Florida was arrested, June 4, 2024, charged with littering in excess of 100 cubic feet or 500 pounds, or for commercial purposes; possession of methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug parapharnalia. His bond was set at $17,500. He was incarcerated at the Marion County Jail in Ocala, Florida. He was also banned from the Ocala National Forest for one year.
The FWC obtained a Marion County, Florida arrest warrant for the second suspect, 37 year-old Johnny Vince Reese, Jr., of Anthony, FL, charging him with littering in excess of 100 cubic feet or 500 pounds, or for commercial purposes - as Reese, the owner of the truck and trailer supposedly used for the dumping, is accused of assisting Cardwell with dumping the garbage in the forest.
UPDATE: Reese was arrested on the warrant by the Marion County Sheriff's Office on Monday, June 17, 2024 His bond was set at $2,500. He was also incarcerated at the Marion County Jail.
“Cases like this often go unsolved,” said FWC Lieutenant Swain Seiler of the Northeast Region. “We were able to close this one quickly due to the relationship we have with our partners at the Marion County Litter Task Force and the dogged determination of two hard-working FWC officers. Officers Wade Constance and Drew Aultman covered a lot of miles, chased every lead, conducted several interviews, and wouldn’t give up until they had their guy.”
The garbage (see photo on left) was cleaned up and removed from the Ocala National Forest (see photo on right) in cooperation with Marion County Solid Waste Management.
If you have information regarding the location of the second suspect, Johnny Reese, please call Crime Stoppers at 352-368-7867 or the Marion County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line at 352-732-9111.