CSRA Waste controls more than 70 percent of city-run garbage service, and Mr. Uzochukwu stands accused of using his Richmond County landfill exemption to avoid tipping fees by passing off private trash as the city's. He has been arrested and indicted for felony theft of services, which carries a sentence of 10 years in prison or on probation.

His $15,093.35 check, made payable to the city Feb. 20, is an effort to "reconcile" unpaid tipping fees, which Mr. Uzochukwu has said are the result of an irresponsible driver, not an intentional deception.

"... Mr. Kester Uzochukwu denies, and will defend himself against, the allegations in the criminal indictment that he directed (his driver) and others to dump commercial waste under permit numbers issued for solid waste collection ...," wrote attorney Edward Tarver, who represents CSRA Waste.

The amount, Mr. Tarver said, is an "estimate, based on 25 percent of the fee charged for the total number of commercial accounts serviced by CSRA during the months identified."

According to the letter, the company offered to resolve "all discrepancies related to landfill tipping fees incurred by CSRA Waste" in an original letter, sent to city officials Nov. 26.

The city also is conducting an internal audit of landfill accounts in an effort to determine how much money it is owed by CSRA Waste.

Reach Heidi Coryell Williams at (706) 823-3215 or heidi.williams@augustachronicle.com.