By: Tracie Carter
A Trenton Water Works employee is facing multiple criminal charges for allegedly failing to collect required water samples and submitting falsified testing results, according to information released by the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office.
Cesar Lugo, 37, of Trenton, has been indicted on two counts of official misconduct (second degree), theft by deception, falsifying records, tampering with public records, and violating the Safe Drinking Water Act—all stemming from alleged misconduct during his employment as a water sample collector for the utility.
Authorities allege that between October 1 and November 13, 2023, Lugo failed to collect required water samples while submitting falsified results and chain of custody forms to Trenton Water Works.
He is also accused of submitting timesheets claiming he performed work duties that he did not actually complete, thereby receiving payment under false pretenses.
Trenton Water Works is a public utility that serves approximately 225,000 residents across Trenton, Hamilton Township, Ewing Township, Lawrence Township, and Hopewell Township in Mercer County.
As part of its operation, the utility is required to comply with the Safe Drinking Water Act, which mandates regular testing and documentation of water quality to ensure public safety.
The alleged falsification of testing data raised concerns over potential risks to public health, but the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) confirmed that additional independent water sampling conducted during the same period showed no immediate health threats.
The case is being handled by the Division of Criminal Justice’s Environmental Crimes Bureau and will be prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Dom Stockton-Rossini.
If convicted, Lugo could face up to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000 for the most serious charges.