Worker Who Faked Water Test Data For Trenton Water Works Sentenced

MERCER COUNTY, NJ — A former Trenton Water Works sample collector was sentenced to three years in prison for failing to collect required water samples and submitting false test data, Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and the Division of Criminal Justice announced Sept. 18.

Cesar Lugo, 38, of Trenton, had previously pleaded guilty to third-degree tampering with public records and violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act. As part of the plea agreement, the state recommended the three-year sentence for both convictions to run concurrently, with a two-year period of parole ineligibility.

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Patch first reported on the case in May 2025, when Lugo was indicted on charges including official misconduct, theft by deception and tampering with public records.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Lugo worked as a water sample collector for Trenton Water Works between October 1, 2023, and November 13, 2023. During that period, he knowingly submitted fraudulent or falsified water testing results and fraudulent or falsified chain of custody forms, in violation of the Safe Drinking Water Act's requirements for accurate testing and reporting. On numerous occasions, Lugo failed to conduct the required water collections but submitted timesheets falsely certifying that he had performed the work and was entitled to payment.

"Safe drinking water is a fundamental need, and it is critical that the people charged with keeping our water supplies safe and clean do their jobs with diligence and professionalism," Davenport said. "This defendant chose to break the law, without regard for New Jersey's residents. Today's sentence demonstrates that there are serious consequences for such a choice."

Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Ed Potosnak said falsifying water sampling reports "goes beyond putting people's health at risk, it damages public trust in an essential public service."

"Clean drinking water is a human right and the bedrock underpinning strong communities," Potosnak said. "Today's sentencing reaffirms public trust in government systems by delivering accountability."

DCJ Interim Director Martha Nye said Lugo's actions were "a serious breach of the responsibility entrusted to him as a public employee."

"Today's sentence holds him accountable for those actions and underscores that those who abuse positions of public trust will be held responsible," Nye said.

Have a correction or a news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com