Property Owner Arrested in Expanding Carroll County Illegal Tire Dumping Investigation
CARROLL COUNTY, Ga. – A Villa Rica man has been arrested in connection with an ongoing illegal tire dumping investigation that has already resulted in multiple felony charges and is expected to lead to additional arrests, according to the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office.
Tracey Lewis Johnson, 31, was arrested and charged with felony dumping of biomedical or hazardous waste or substances, or dumping for commercial purposes, under Georgia law.
Investigators allege Johnson knowingly allowed wanted suspect Jacob Ward to use property under his ownership and control to unlawfully store and dispose of large quantities of used tires in exchange for payment.
Johnson’s arrest follows the issuance of felony warrants for Ward, who remains at large. The Sheriff’s Office said investigators have been unable to locate Ward despite continued efforts.
Since announcing the warrants, investigators said they have received numerous tips regarding Ward’s possible whereabouts, along with information about suspected illegal dumping activity in neighboring jurisdictions.
The Sheriff’s Office emphasized that the investigation remains active and that additional arrests are anticipated.
The criminal investigation began after concerned residents reported suspected illegal tire dumping in the Villa Rica area. Since then, investigators have identified multiple dumping sites, interviewed witnesses, collected evidence and continue working to identify others who may have participated in the operation.
Officials said illegal dumping is a serious crime that damages private property, pollutes the environment, creates public safety hazards and negatively impacts the quality of life for residents.
In addition to the Sheriff’s Office investigation, Carroll County Code Enforcement has an unrelated civil enforcement case involving Johnson that remains pending in Magistrate Court.
Authorities also noted the case is not connected to recent changes in Carroll County’s solid waste disposal program.
“Unfortunately, individuals who choose to illegally dump waste have historically done so regardless of the disposal options available,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.
County officials noted residents continue to have legal disposal options through approved waste facilities, partnerships with organizations such as Keep Carroll Beautiful and community cleanup events including the county’s “Tired of Tires” program.
The Sheriff’s Office encouraged residents to report illegal dumping directly to law enforcement rather than relying solely on neighborhood social media pages, saying prompt reporting gives investigators the best opportunity to preserve evidence and identify those responsible.
Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Jacob Ward is asked to contact Investigator Shane North at 770-830-5916, email snorth@carrollsheriffga.gov, or call 911.
