Hammond Man Charged with Gross Littering

HAMMOND—Thanks to a report from a concerned citizen, a 52-year-old Hammond man is facing charges for gross littering.

Tangipahoa Parish President Robby Miller says code enforcement investigators received a call from a concerned citizen who reported a driver on Vineyard Road throwing trash from a truck.

Miller said investigators were able to use leads provided by the caller to track down the vehicle and a suspect, identified as 52-year-old Mark Joseph Venable of Hammond. Investigators say that when they met with Venable, he admitted to throwing the trash.

“He proceeded to tell our investigators that he had also dumped old tires, thinking someone could use them, and appliances,” Miller said.

Venable was cited for gross littering and faces a June court date to appear on those charges.

Miller expressed appreciation to code enforcement officers for their swift work in completing this investigation. He also thanked the concerned citizen who reached out to the parish for help when the issue arose.

“I made a pledge when I was first elected to take a tough stand against litter and illegal dumping in our parish. This case is one more example that Tangipahoa Parish will not be a dumping ground, and that individuals who choose to litter in our parish will be prosecuted,” Miller said.

The parish encourages the public to report about litter concerns. You can report these issues by calling our Code Enforcement office at (985) 602-9081, email enforcement@tangipahoa.org, or fill out a more detailed report at https://tangipahoa.org/government/code-enforcement/report-a-concern.