Cincinnati, OH – A former chemist with Greater Cincinnati Water Works has been sentenced for falsifying drinking water testing records, potentially jeopardizing public health. Funsho Alatishe, 56, pleaded guilty in Hamilton County Common Pleas Court to four counts of Tampering with Records and one count of Attempted Theft in Office, stemming from incidents at the Richard Miller Treatment Plant.
The case, brought to light by an internal investigation within Water Works, revealed that Alatishe fabricated laboratory data between January and November 2011. He claimed to have completed essential water analysis – crucial for ensuring proper chlorine levels to kill harmful bacteria – during periods when he was demonstrably not present at the facility. This manipulation of records raised serious concerns about the integrity of the city’s water quality monitoring procedures.
Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine emphasized the gravity of Alatishe’s actions. “It was this man’s responsibility to make sure that the drinking water coming from that treatment plant had the proper amounts of chlorine needed to kill off any disease-causing bacteria,” DeWine stated. “Instead of taking this responsibility seriously, we found that he falsified records to make it appear as if he was doing the proper tests.” Fortunately, authorities report no illnesses were linked to the compromised testing.
The investigation, a collaborative effort between the Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Ohio EPA, and the United States EPA, utilized Alatishe’s electronic activity logs alongside his reported testing results to uncover the discrepancies. The evidence showed a pattern of falsification, suggesting a deliberate attempt to deceive supervisors and maintain the appearance of fulfilling his duties.
In addition to the records tampering, Alatishe was also found guilty of Attempted Theft in Office, as he continued to receive compensation for work he had not actually performed. This dual conviction highlights a breach of both public trust and professional ethics.
Penalties & Legal Ramifications
On October 13, 2013, Judge Helmick sentenced Alatishe to four years of community control. The sentence included 500 hours of community service, a $5,000 fine, and restitution totaling $1,066. Alatishe violated Ohio State statutes STATE (291342)(A)(1) – Tampering with Records and STATE (292141)(A)(2) – Attempted Theft in Office. The tampering charges carry potential jail time and further fines, while the theft charge reflects the financial implications of his fraudulent behavior.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Funsho Alatishe, 56
- Location: Richard Miller Treatment Plant, Cincinnati, Ohio
- Timeframe: January 2011 – November 2011
- Charges: Four counts of Tampering with Records, one count of Attempted Theft in Office
- Sentence: 4 years community control, 500 hours community service, $5,000 fine, $1,066 restitution
- Agencies Involved: Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Ohio EPA, United States EPA
This case serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of accurate data reporting in public health infrastructure and the potential consequences of prioritizing personal gain over public safety. The GrimyTimes will continue to follow this story and report on any further developments.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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