MARION COUNTY, Fla. – A Florida man has been arrested after authorities said he dumped nearly 4,000 pounds of trash and debris into a canal in Marion County, according to the sheriff’s office.
Deputies were called to 23381 NE 117th Court Road in Fort McCoy on Oct. 22 following reports that 59-year-old Kenneth Thompkins was throwing appliances, garbage and other debris into a canal near his property.
According to the sheriff’s office, witnesses told investigators Thompkins had been polluting the canal since February 2026. They said he generally disposed of the material at night to avoid being detected, allowing the illegal dumping site to expand rapidly.
When a deputy arrived, they found a substantial mound of trash and debris in the center of the canal near a wooden berm. The deputy then coordinated a date for the waste to be removed.
Getting Rid Of The Debris
On Monday, deputies brought in two airboats to clear the canal. County workers then gathered the material, weighed it and prepared it for disposal.
Investigators said the total amount of waste dumped by Thompkins was approximately 3,980 pounds, including:
Old fencing material
Tree debris
Household garbage
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A fiberglass boat
Tires
A large quantity of other miscellaneous items
The sheriff’s office said Thompkins approached deputies at the scene and acknowledged dumping trash in the canal. He reportedly told them he did so because of fines imposed by Code Enforcement.
Thompkins’ Arrest
After completing their investigation, deputies arrested Thompkins at his home on Thursday, the sheriff’s office said.
During the arrest, deputies found methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia inside his wallet, according to authorities.
Thompkins faces charges for felony littering, possession of methamphetamine and two counts of possessing drug paraphernalia.
He was released on $9,500 bond early Friday morning.
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