Florida Woman Arrested After Over 14,000 Pounds of Trash Found at Ocala Homeless Encampment

OCALA, Fla. — A Florida woman has been arrested and charged with felony littering after deputies discovered more than 14,000 pounds of trash and hazardous debris at an illegal homeless encampment in Ocala’s Silver Springs Shores area, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO).

What We Know:

Deputies launched an investigation in early July following reports of environmental hazards on private property behind Spring Road. The suspect, Laura Roland Gherman, was found trespassing on the property. She was warned to leave and to dispose of the accumulated trash using county resources. After she failed to comply, deputies returned on July 17 and found a large makeshift shelter surrounded by piles of garbage, human waste, drug paraphernalia, shopping carts, and bicycle parts. The Marion County Solid Waste Department coordinated a two-day cleanup operation involving more than 40 workers and heavy machinery. In total, crews removed 14,260 pounds of debris from the site. Under Florida Statute 403.413(4), dumping over 500 pounds of litter is a felony offense. On July 21, Gherman was arrested for trespassing and formally charged with felony littering.

What They're Saying:

County Commission Chairman Kathy Bryant praised the collaborative effort, stating:

“This arrest was made possible through a strong partnership with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, who worked diligently with our team to ensure all hazards were removed. We are fully committed to protecting public safety while also preserving the natural beauty that makes Marion County special.”

Ocala Florida Woman Arrested After Over 14,000 Pounds of Trash Found at Ocala Homeless Encampment

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