Holbrook Couple Charged with Illegal Dumping in The Mastic Beach Wetlands

A Holbrook couple found out how serious local officials are about illegal dumping, especially in sensitive wetland areas, after they were busted by the Suffolk district attorney and are facing $5,000 in fines and thousands more in cleanup costs.

Cited for unlawfully disposing of broken concrete and other debris in Mastic Beach were Fabio Monasterolo, 51, and his wife, Judith Monasterolo, 55, of Holbrook, according to District Attorney Raymond Tierney. “This flagrant abuse of our delicate ecosystem is a crime against our wildlife and every law-abiding taxpayer who supports these public lands,” he said.

When a witness saw what the defendants were doing, she began taking photographs of the couple and the waste that they had dumped. Defendant Judith Monasterolo, who was in the passenger seat of a Dodge Ram truck, allegedly then gave the witness two middle fingers as Fabio Monasterolo drove them away from the scene, Tierney reported.

“Illegal dumping in our wetlands is a crime that we take very seriously,” said Brookhaven Supervisor Edward Romaine. “Those who commit these crimes will be caught, charged and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. I commend the brave actions of the residents who took it upon themselves to photograph and report this activity to the Suffolk County Police. Together, we are committed to protecting our environment and we will not tolerate illegal dumping anywhere in the town.”

Concrete and other debris allegedly dumped in the Mastic Beach wetlands by Judith and Fabio Monasterolo of Holbrook. Suffolk District Attorney Raymond Tierney

Walter Meshenberg, the Creek Defender who patrols the Mastic Peninsula wetlands, said there are many eyes out there watching for illegal dumpers such as the Monasterolo couple. “We are acutely aware of the harmful activities that have been going on in our community and are constantly on the lookout,” Meshenberg said. “This really shows that if you try to dump on us, you will be caught.” The South Shore’s tidal wetlands are a vital part of the area’s ecosystem and the pollution caused by illegal dumping can harm plants and wildlife, as well as local water quality, according to the Creek Defender.

Investigators utilize camera and plate reading technology to curtail and catch dumping in these areas and along the roadways leading to them, according to town Councilman Daniel Panico, who joined the district attorney and Suffolk Legislator James Mazzarella at a press conference announcing the case. “Much of what is dumped can be disposed of legally for little to no charge. There will be zero tolerance for illegal dumping,” Panico said, adding, “Thank you to the individuals who care and who take pride in your community. The good caring people vastly outweigh the bad apples amongst us.”

Panico noted that the Monasterolos face penalties that were recently doubled for illegal dumping in Brookhaven and will also be pursued for the costs of town employees and equipment used to clean up their alleged mess.

“This crime was solved with the help of some of our brave neighborhood watch folks,” Mazzarella said. “We thank them for their vigilance and encourage all residents that if you see something, say something. We will also continue utilizing the latest surveillance technology to protect our communities.”

The truck allegedly used by Judith and Fabio Monasterolo to dump debris in Mastic Beach. Suffolk District Attorney Raymond Tierney

Assisting in the case along with Brookhaven and the DA’s Biological, Environmental, and Animal Safety Team was the state Department of Environmental Conservation. “DEC does not tolerate illegal dumping of any kind particularly in Long Island’s ecologically important wetland areas,” said Commissioner Basil Seggos. “This is a prime example of how joint cooperation between state and local law enforcement agencies can hold polluters Accountable.”

The illegal dumpers face charges of Criminal Mischief in the Third Degree, a Class E felony, and multiple related environmental conservation violations. Under current state law, the offenses charged are not considered bail eligible, so the defendants were released on their own recognizance. They are due back in court June 13.

The illegal dumpers face charges of Criminal Mischief in the Third Degree, a Class E felony, and multiple related environmental conservation violations. Under current state law, the offenses charged are not considered bail eligible, so the defendants were released on their own recognizance. They are due back in court June 13.