The tides turn on a family linked by authorities to illegal dumping in Cameron County.
"I'll never do this again," Alberto Zuniga said.
He collected more than a hundred pounds worth of trash illegally dumped just feet from his home on Kroeger Avenue on the county’s west side.
The office of emergency management’s new illegal dumping investigator arrested his wife, Francisca Zuniga, on Wednesday.
Eduardo Leos said paperwork found in trash identified her.
Alberto agreed to clean up the mess after his wife was charged with illegal dumping.
Emergency Management Coordinator Humberto Barrera said people who dump to avoid paying for trash services will get caught.
Alberto admits that’s what his wife did.
“Get a trash bin and put your stuff in there daily so they can properly take it away," Alberto said.
The site near Altas Palmas is considered to be the poster child area for illegal dumping.
Trash stretches as far as the eye can see along the canal.
There are health hazards all around which included discarded chemical bottles, broken glass and rusty nails.
Investigator Eduardo Leos warned the public earlier this week on Action 4 News that his job will be to hold illegal dumpers accountable.
Alberto told authorities he learned a very good "lesson."
More arrests are expected as the investigator digs into additional piles at the dump site.
Once the investigation is complete, Humberto says he has a plan in place to get the area cleaned up once and for all.
"Ryan, the juvenile detention center saw your story on Monday night and they contacted our office ... They wanted to help."
Juveniles will work over a weekend with county public works to properly dispose of the trash.
Anyone who wants to report illegal dumping can contact Cameron County's Office of Emergency Management at (956) 547-7000.
Click here to watch the original report on the county’s newest illegal dumping investigator
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