Dumpster Dispute

Sonora, CA – The Sonora Police Department is investigating a complaint filed by a local business against Sonora City Council member Matt Hawkins.

The manager of the local business, which has not been identified by the PD, alleges that Hawkins unlawfully dumped trash into the company dumpster. Sonora Police Chief Mark Stinson says, “The Sonora City Police Department will, at the request of the business, forward this matter to the Tuolumne County District Attorney’s Office. The unlawful dumping of trash constitutes a violation of Penal Code section 498 Theft of Utility Services.”

Penal code notes that the maximum penalty for this type of crime is a year in county jail. We contacted Council member Hawkins who told us, “I can’t comment because it is an ongoing case.”

Stinson says the name of the business is not being released at this time due to it being an ongoing investigation.