Two Union County residents are facing steep fines and criminal charges following separate investigations into illegal dumping at public parks in Plainfield and Roselle.
The first incident occurred on Aug. 1, when Union County police were notified that mattresses, furniture and household items had been dumped in a wooded area of Green Brook Park in Plainfield.
Detectives identified a white Ford Transit van linked to the incident and charged 29-year-old Silvia Estrada of Plainfield with illegal disposal and dumping on county property. Her case is pending in Plainfield Municipal Court.
The following day, Aug. 2, a patrol officer discovered furniture, trash bags and other items dumped around a dumpster near the Warinanco Sports Complex in Roselle. Officers linked a red Dodge Ram to the scene and charged 20-year-old Juan Xopa of Elizabeth with illegal disposal and dumping on county property. His case is pending in Roselle Municipal Court.