A former Trenton Water Works employee was sentenced to three years in prison for falsifying water-testing records and failing to collect required samples, according to the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office.

Cesar Lugo, 38, of Trenton, previously pleaded guilty to tampering with public records and violating the Safe Drinking Water Act. His sentences will run concurrently, with two years of parole ineligibility.

The Attorney General’s Office said Lugo worked as a water sample collector for Trenton Water Works from Oct. 1 through Nov. 13, 2023. During that time, he knowingly submitted falsified water-testing results and chain-of-custody forms.

Lugo also repeatedly failed to collect required water samples while submitting timesheets stating that he had completed the work and was entitled to payment, according to the Attorney General’s Office.

“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,” said Attorney General Jennifer Davenport.