Hampton Man Benjamin Ezekwe Accused Of Illegally Dumping Tires

HAMPTON, Ga. -- Nearly 7,500 illegally dumped tires were discovered in a Henry County field, and investigators told GA Daily News reporter Tony Thomas that one man may be responsible.

Benjamin Ezekwe has been charged with felony counts as state authorities try to figure out if he dumped tires in other locations too.

Hampton police Capt. Derrick Austin said his officers busted Ezekwe in the act of dumping tires earlier this week.

State authorities said Ezekwe worked for Kobo LLC and was licensed and bonded to pick up scrap tires and haul them to a processor-- but investigators say nearly 7,500 wound up in the field.

"We first noticed him here Nov. 12.," said Austin.

Hampton police said Ezekwe ran from officers, leaving a half empty truck behind. Investigators said Ezekwe admitted to bringing three truckloads to Henry County from stores in DeKalb, Fulton and Cobb counties, including two loads from MC tires.

Owner John Obi said he never suspected any wrongdoing.

"Never it ever even crossed my mind," Obi said. The company told him that they were taking the tires to a local processing center.

Obi will have to find a new tire hauler. Ezekwe sits in the Henry County jail, facing a heap of charges including several felonies.

Investigators are looking for other possible sites where tires may have been dumped.

"We don't know. This is the only one we have in Hampton. The state is looking into it. His company was well known by the state," said Austin.

The state plans to use the company's $20,000 assurity bond to help clean up the site in question.