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Carleton Pulley, age 48, of Bay Shore, pleaded guilty to endangering public health, safety or the environment in Suffolk County Court on Thursday, Sept. 5.
According to prosecutors, a police officer witnessed Pulley unloading tires from a tractor trailer on the grounds of the former Pilgrim State Psychiatric Center in Brentwood in April 2023.
The officer quickly realized that Pulley had unloaded several tires and other items, including hazardous waste that had been stored in multiple large containers.
Crews from the Department of Environmental Conservation and the Town of Islip HAZMAT Unit were called in to clean up the site and collect evidence.
Testing revealed an array of hazardous materials, including arsenic, cadmium, chromium, and lead.
Prosecutors said the site was fully remediated with no environmental impacts, an effort that cost the property owner and Town of Islip more than $30,000.
As part of his plea agreement, Pulley must accumulate a target number of “Green Points” through Suffolk County’s new Evergreen Initiative, meant to combat environmental destruction.
In addition to paying fines, violators must also take part in volunteer events aimed at restoring and protecting the county’s natural areas and ecosystems.
Pulley’s ultimate term of incarceration can be reduced based on the number of Green Points he accrues. He is due back in court in February 2025 to check on his progress.
The Suffolk County DA’s office encouraged residents to report illegal dumping on the agency’s website and click "contact us."
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