Trailer park owner facing felony charge
Clampitt accused of allowing raw sewage to contaminate area’s water supply for years
The owner of a Redwater, Texas, mobile home park is facing a felony charge for allegedly allowing raw sewage to run off the property where it could make its way into the Texarkana water supply.
David Michael Clampitt, 45, of Shreveport, La., has allegedly been aware of the problem at Cody Circle Mobile Home Park in Redwater since at least 2016, when he reportedly told Bowie County’s sewer inspector that he was replacing the sewer system, according to a probable-cause affidavit used to create the following account.
The raw sewage dumped onto the Cody Circle property allegedly runs onto adjacent property, where it finds its way into a small, private creek, then to Boone Creek and eventually Wright
Patman Lake, a major source of water for Texarkana, Texas, residents.
“The Bowie County Environmental Office and Bowie County fire marshal receive complaint calls weekly about this location for safety, sewage problems and poor living conditions,” the affidavit states. “This is a health hazard to all of the tenants and neighbors with adjoining land.”
Clampitt has allegedly offered reassurances and promises he has contracted with an engineering company to replace the failing sewage system at Cody Circle repeatedly. A 39-page report detailing the problems at the mobile home park was allegedly forwarded to Clampitt in March 2017.
“Some minor items were repaired. There was no work completed to the sewer system on the front, east side of the property that was discharging sewer waste out on the ground,” according to the affidavit.
Clampitt appeared Friday before 5th District Judge Bill Miller for a pre-indictment hearing with Texarkana lawyer Cary Rochelle on a charge of intentionally or knowingly discharging sewage. Rochelle said he anticipates resolving the case without the need for a grand jury indictment. If Rochelle cannot reach an agreement with the state to resolve the charge through a plea bargain, the case could be presented to a grand jury. If a grand jury issues an indictment, the case will be scheduled for trial.
The offense is punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000, if convicted. Miller scheduled Clampitt to return to court in October. Assistant District Attorney Lauren Richards is prosecuting.
llarowe@texarkanagazette.com