GALVESTON — The owner of an air conditioning company said a Galveston County grand jury declined to indict his son and another man Thursday in connection with a felony commercial dumping charge.

Jim Painter, who owns J&P Services of Webster, said the grand jury vindicated his son, Justin Painter, 20, of Bacliff, and Clyde Gamble, 76, of Dickinson.

On Dec. 20, authorities arrested Painter and Gamble and charged both with one count each of felony commercial dumping.

Authorities alleged Justin Painter drove the company’s vehicle to an unincorporated road between League City and Dickinson to dumped metal and air-conditioning parts.

Jim Painter, in a Daily News story published Dec. 22, maintained his son’s innocence, saying he was merely recycling metal.

“We were quite upset about the whole situation,” Jim Painter said Thursday. “All we were doing was simply recycling metal products. I presented my case to the grand jury, and told them the simple truth.”

Painter said he is out $265 for bailing his son from jail and a $500 attorney fee. He also said he missed bidding on a potential contract because he was in court.

“It probably cost me $10,000 in business,” he said. “It was a one-day bid deal on a commercial job.”

Painter said his son’s arrest also ruined the family’s Christmas holiday.

First Assistant District Attorney Joel Bennett said state law allows his office to refile the case but, unless new evidence surfaces, the case is considered closed.