Third person charged in metro Atlanta illegal tire dumping investigation

CARROLL COUNTY, Ga. — A 51-year-old woman has been arrested in connection with an ongoing investigation into illegal tire dumping, according to the sheriff’s office.

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Shelly Lynn Unger, 51, of Villa Rica was arrested and charged with felony dumping of biomedical or hazardous waste or substance, or dumping for a commercial purpose, investigators said.

The charge stems from allegations that Unger knowingly allowed Jacob Ward to use property she owned or controlled to unlawfully store and dispose of used tires in exchange for payment.

Unger is the third person to face felony charges in the investigation.

Ward, who was previously the subject of felony warrants in the case, remains wanted by the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators have been unable to locate him and said they have received information that he may be in the Floyd County area.

The investigation began after residents reported suspected illegal tire dumping in the Villa Rica area. Investigators said they have since identified multiple dumping locations, interviewed witnesses and collected evidence as they work to determine who else may have been involved.

The sheriff’s office said illegal dumping can damage private property, pollute the environment and create safety hazards.

Carroll County Code Enforcement is also pursuing a separate case involving Unger through Magistrate Court.

Investigators said the illegal tire dumping case is not believed to be connected to recently announced changes to Carroll County’s solid waste program.

The sheriff’s office is asking anyone who witnesses illegal dumping to report it directly to authorities. Officials said calling 911 while the activity is happening can give investigators a better opportunity to preserve evidence and identify those responsible.

Anyone with information about Ward’s whereabouts is asked to contact Inv. Shane North at 770-830-5916, by email or call 911.