DAVENPORT, Florida— In what officials are calling one of the largest illegal sludge dumps in Polk County history, a Davenport man is now facing felony charges after admitting to dumping used cooking oil waste that was supposed to be disposed of.
Peter Rodriguez, 50, of Davenport was taken into custody on Tuesday. He was charged with two felony counts of commercial dumping after deputies found his assigned tanker truck parked across the street from where an estimated 10,000 gallons of sludge was dumped near U.S. 27 and Sand Mine Road.
“We began our investigation to see where this sludge came from and found a truck nearby that looks like it was transporting used cooking oil,” said Polk County Sheriff’s Spokesperson Carrie Horstman.
Near the scene, deputies found a pump truck with used oil leaking from a drain spout. Investigators say the truck was owned by Brownies Septic and Plumbing and operated by Rodriguez. An affidavit says he admitted to dumping the sludge but claimed he had to do it to keep his job.
“I was listening to my boss who said find a place and just dump it,” says Rodriguez.
And while Rodriguez admits to illegally dumping used cooking oil waste on several occasions in the past, he says not all of the sludge came from his truck.
Brownies representatives told investigators they weren't sure why the oil would have been dumped in the vacant lot. According to them, it's normally taken to Orlando to be refined and sold.
Rodriguez was released from jail on $2,000 bond.
10News reached out to Brownie’s Septic and Plumbing on Thursday but so far have not heard back. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office said their investigation continues and additional charges could be possible.
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