Illegal trash dumping spree leads to arrest in Dubois County

Indiana Conservation Officers’ investigation into a series of illegal trash dumps has resulted in the arrest of Andrew Masterson (age 27) of Huntingburg.

In early May, Conservation Officers located four separate illegal trash dumps near the Dubois and Pike county line. Names and addresses were located in the trash, leading officers across three counties in an attempt to locate a suspect.

A series of interviews with landowners and possible suspects revealed that Masterson had been removing trash from a property in exchange for scrap metal. The property owner believed the trash was going to a landfill; however, it was found that at least 40 bags of trash had been dumped illegally on private property in multiple locations.

The investigation also found that Masterson was operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license, the vehicle used had false and fictitious license plates, and he was trespassing on the property where the trash was dumped.

Charges were submitted to the Dubois County Prosecutor’s Office, and a warrant was issued for Masterson’s arrest.

On July 20, the Jasper Police Department arrested Masterson on multiple active warrants. Masterson faces the following charges in the Dubois Circuit Court:

– Criminal Mischief, Two Counts
– Criminal Trespass, Two Counts
– Operating a Motor Vehicle While Suspended with a Prior Conviction, Two Counts
– Littering, Two Counts
– Hindering a Conservation Officer, One Count

All charges are merely accusations, and defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.