COLUMBUS COUNTY, N.C. — Two men from Lincolnton are facing charges after deputies say they were involved in an illegal dumping incident that left debris scattered on private property.
According to the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office, Luis Antonio Vasquez Lerma, 18, and Castillo Esteban Mojica, 36, were taken into custody on February 23. Investigators say the pair dumped a load of waste weighing between 10 and 500 pounds, a violation of state littering laws.
Vasquez Lerma is also accused of causing damage to the property where the debris was left. He was charged with injury to real property in addition to the littering offense. Mojica faces a single count of littering (10–500 lbs).
Both men were booked into the Columbus County Detention Center under $2,000 secured bonds.
Deputies did not release details about what type of material was dumped, but said the investigation is continuing.
What North Carolina Law Says About Littering and Illegal Dumping
North Carolina has a tiered system for littering penalties based on the weight and type of material discarded. The laws are designed to discourage roadside dumping, protect private property, and reduce cleanup costs for landowners and local governments.
Penalties for 10–500 Pounds of Litter
Dumping between 10 and 500 pounds is a Class 3 misdemeanor under N.C. General Statute §14‑399. Penalties can include:
- Fines up to $1,000
- Community service, often involving roadside cleanup
- Court‑ordered restitution to cover cleanup or property damage
- Criminal record associated with a misdemeanor conviction
If the litter includes hazardous materials, appliances, or items that pose environmental risks, courts may impose higher fines or additional cleanup requirements.
Injury to Real Property
When dumping causes damage — such as ruts, broken fencing, torn signage, or destruction of vegetation — the charge of injury to real property may apply. This is a Class 1 misdemeanor and can carry:
- Higher fines
- Restitution for repairs
- Up to 120 days of possible jail time, depending on prior record
Why the State Treats Dumping Seriously
Illegal dumping is a persistent issue in rural counties. Cleanup costs often fall on landowners or taxpayers, and debris can block drainage, attract pests, or contaminate soil and waterways. State officials say the tiered penalty system is meant to deter repeat offenses and hold violators financially responsible.
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