“We are grateful to the CDFW personnel who responded to the reports of released petroleum product, to the citizens who used CDFW’s tip line, and to the law enforcement investigators who identified a suspect.  It is important that we protect our waterways and environment from harmful substances.”

– CSLEA President Alan Barcelona

SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY – On March 5, 2025, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) the arrest of, and charges filed against, David Andrew Sump stemming from his alleged role in dumping approximately 280 gallons of waste oil into a Stockton waterway and surrounding environment.

On September 28, 2024, CDFW’s Office of Spill Prevention and Response, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Environmental Protection Agency, and local agencies responded to reports of released petroleum product near the Smith Canal in Stockton. The multi-agency effort recovered oil from the waterway and removed impacted soil along the canal.

Following the incident, wildlife officers spent several weeks collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses. Multiple citizens called in tips to the CDFW CALTIP Hotline (Californians Turn in Poachers and Polluters) that provided enough information to request an arrest warrant.

Felony charges filed by the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office include destruction of public property/vandalism and disposal of hazardous waste. Sump also faces two misdemeanor charges related to the alleged dumping.

To report a poaching or polluting incident or any fish and wildlife violation, call the CALTIP number 1 888 334-CALTIP (888 334-2258) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or text “CALTIP” followed by a space and the message to 847411 (tip411).

The criminal investigation was conducted by CDFW’s Law Enforcement Division and the Stockton Police Department.