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New Port Richey Hurricane Helene victims bilked by Louisiana hauler accused of illegal dumping: Police

By FOX 13 News Staff
Published  October 4, 2024 2:35pm EDT
Hurricane Helene
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    NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. - Storm survivors in New Port Richey were victimized again when police say a man charged them to remove Hurricane Helene storm debris and damaged items and illegally dumped them on private property.

    According to the New Port Richey Police Department, Byram Washington, a hauler out of Louisiana, charged Gulf Harbor residents $1,500 per load to clean up their items from Hurricane Helene. 

    READ: Cleanup of 'unprecedented' storm debris will take 'weeks if not months,' Pinellas officials say

    Afterward, police say Washington illegally dumped the items on private property off Marine Parkway without the owner's permission.

    Pictured: Byram Washington. Courtesy of the New Port Richey Police Department.

    Pictured: Byram Washington. Courtesy of the New Port Richey Police Department. 

    Washington illegally dumped over 120 yards of furniture and storm debris, according to NPD.

    READ: Florida seniors displaced by Hurricane Helene face 'endless' need for help

    He was criminally charged with felony illegal dumping over 500 pounds.

    Police are reminding residents to be aware of criminals preying on those affected by the storm.

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