An illegal dumping operation on the Trinity River in Dallas has come under scrutiny following the arrests of Kyle Boyd and Joshua Fanslaw. The case reveals a complex scheme involving forgery, environmental damage, and a family’s fight to reclaim their land.

Discovery of the Illegal Dump Site

The 11-acre property, located approximately 11 miles from downtown Dallas, was transformed into an unlicensed landfill, with waste spilling into the Trinity River. This raised significant environmental alarms and prompted a city investigation. The issue came to light when Shannon Bleau discovered a forged signature on her grandfather’s deed.

Forged Deed and Land Transfer

Shannon Bleau, granddaughter of the original property owner, learned the deed had been transferred to a trust without her grandfather’s knowledge or consent shortly before his death. After hiring an attorney to contest the transfer, the family discovered the fraudulent nature of the deed. During the legal proceedings, Kyle Boyd allegedly used the land as an illegal dump site.

Arrests and Allegations

On April 9, the Bleau family successfully voided Boyd’s fraudulent deed. Dallas Police arrested Boyd on April 21 on three counts of illegal dumping, and truck driver Joshua Fanslaw was also taken into custody on related charges. Authorities allege businesses paid Boyd to use the property as an unlicensed landfill.

City Awareness and Investigation

The City of Dallas had been aware of the dumping for years, with surveillance cameras repeatedly stolen or vandalized as early as 2020. A private investigator was assigned to the case in December 2025, documenting illegal dumping on three occasions. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) received its first complaint about the site on March 16, but initial contact attempts with Boyd were unsuccessful.

Impact and Cleanup Efforts

Attorney James Zoys, representing the Bleau family, described the forgery as initially difficult to detect. Upon regaining possession of the land, the Bleaus were met with the overwhelming sight of the illegal dump. Gerald Bleau, husband of the rightful heir, expressed shock at the extent of the contamination and questioned accountability.

Environmental Concerns and Future Restoration

Frontier Waste Solutions has offered to provide bins for trash removal, but the Bleaus are seeking additional resources for cleanup. The Trinity River, a vital waterway, faces potential long-term damage from the accumulated waste. The family hopes their experience will highlight the importance of property vigilance and stronger waste disposal oversight.

The TCEQ and Dallas Police are continuing to investigate potential additional charges against businesses involved. The full extent of the environmental damage is still being evaluated, with remediation potentially requiring years of effort. The Bleaus are determined to restore the property to its natural state.