Main Line dentist to stand trial on Shore dumping charge

A Main Line dentist charged with dumping medical waste at the Jersey Shore today lost a bid to avoid going to trial.

The dentist, Thomas McFarland, Jr, 59, of Wynnewood, had hoped to go into a pre-trial intervention program reserved for non-violent, first time offenders.

But the New Jersey Attorney General's Office countered that the seriousness of the offense demanded it go to trial, where McFarlane faces a criminal conviction and prison time.

Superior Court Judge Raymond Batten in Cape May Courthouse agreed and ordered McFarland to stand trial.

His attorney, Joseph Rodgers, said he would appeal the decision.

McFarland pleaded not guilty in January to two charges that he threw 300 used syringes and other waste from his Boston Whaler boat into Townsends Inlet between Sea Isle City and Avalon.

Medical waste began to wash up in Avalon Aug. 22. Similar discoveries soon were made from Atlantic City to Cape May, leading to beach closures up and down the Shore in the high-tourism period leading to the Labor Day weekend.

McFarland owns a summer home in the Avalon Manor section of Middle Township.

Although he allegedly confessed to police in September, by pleading not guilty McFarland became eligible to apply for the pretrial intervention program.

Under the program, he could have had his sentence reduced and his record wiped clean if he made the prescribed restitution.

Participants often are permitted to live at home. They are put on a supervised plan that may include community service, monetary restitution, and mandatory psychological and/or drug and alcohol treatment.

He now faces up to five years in prison on each count and up to $125,000 in fines.