Three people arrested for environmental crimes in Central Florida, missing dog found

People have been arrested for environmental crimes in central Florida and a missing dog has been found.

Polk County Sheriff's Office farm crimes detectives arrested three people for environmental crimes in Fort Meade on June 25 and found a dog that had been missing for more than a year.

Detectives responded to a Fort Meade man's residential property after he complained of unknown people camping in his woods near the Peace River.

When detectives entered the woods, they found three suspects using two tents.

A large amount of trash had accumulated near the suspects, and they had also burned plastic and household items in the woods.

The suspects have been identified as Clyde Gillan, 48, Chasity Campbell, 31, and Guy Mullins, 49.

The amount of waste created by the trio was considered a crime, and all three were charged with illegal dumping.

Clyde and Chasity were also charged with illegal burning and possession of methamphetamine, hydrocodone and drug paraphernalia.

A Cur Mix dog was also found at the campground. A PCSO animal control officer responded to take charge of the dog. While doing so, the dog was checked for a microchip, and one was found. The microchip revealed that the dog had been reported missing by its owner on April 29, 2023 after running away.

“The suspects did not have permission to enter the victim’s property; they were trashing it and being a public health nuisance,” Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said. “Now they have been evacuated and the owner of the property is happy, the dog is happy and the dog owner is happy. That makes me happy. »