Trenton Water Works Employee Charged After Submitting Fraudulent Water Testing Data: AG

MERCER COUNTY, NJ – A Trenton Water Works (TWW) sample collector was indicted for allegedly failing to collect water samples and falsifying water quality reports, Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said.

Cesar Lugo, 37, of Trenton, is charged with two counts of official misconduct (2nd degree), theft by deception (3rd degree), violating the Safe Drinking Water Act by tampering with records (3rd degree), tampering with public records or information (3rd degree), and falsifying records (4th degree).

According to the indictment, from Oct. 1, 2023, to Nov. 13, 2023, Lugo worked as a water sample collector for the TWW. He allegedly knowingly submitted fraudulent or falsified water testing results and fraudulent or falsified chain of custody forms to TWW.

Lugo also did not perform water collections when he was supposed to, officials said. He submitted timesheets that indicated he was performing his assigned work duties and was entitled to payment, when in fact he was not, the indictment said.

According to Platkin, Lugo violated the Safe Drinking Water Act by falsifying water testing results, required to be collected by TWW.

This Act was established to protect the purity of the water supply in New Jersey prior to distribution by water utilities, and requires compliance with multiple provisions of the federal regulations, including requirements for documentation of sampling for various contaminants.

“Everyone has a right to safe drinking water, and to know that the people charged with keeping their water supply safe are doing their job,” Platkin said. “We will continue to actively investigate any allegations of official misconduct, particularly when the actions of public servants endanger the citizens of New Jersey.”

Second-degree charges carry a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000. Third-degree charges carry a sentence of three to five years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000. Fourth-degree offenses carry a sentence of up to 18 months in state prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

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