Pa. dentist charged with dumping medical waste
CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE, N.J. (AP) — A Pennsylvania dentist has been charged with dumping medical waste that sullied a New Jersey beach at the height of vacation season.
Authorities say Thomas McFarland took his motorboat to Townsend Inlet near Avalon on Aug. 22 and dumped a bag full of needles, gauze pads and other materials from his Wynnewood, Pa., dental office.
He is charged with unlawfully discharging a pollutant and unlawful disposal of regulated medical waste. Each charge carries a maximum prison term of five years.
New Jersey Attorney General Anne Milgram said a complaint was served on his lawyer Friday.
According to police affidavits, McFarland admitted tossing the material from his boat. He has been licensed in Pennsylvania for more than 30 years and has homes in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
