John F. Tetreault, Making False Statements, Massachusetts 2013

Boston, MA – A former Massachusetts water department superintendent has been sentenced for falsifying reports related to public drinking water safety, federal authorities announced. John F. Tetreault, 55, of Avon, was sentenced to one year of probation and ordered to pay a $15,000 fine after pleading guilty to charges of making false statements to state and federal agencies.

The case, investigated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Criminal Investigation Division, revealed that Tetreault, while serving as Superintendent of the Avon Water Department, knowingly submitted inaccurate data regarding disinfectant levels at two water treatment facilities. Specifically, reports filed with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) in 2010 indicated that residual chlorine levels consistently met or exceeded required minimums, when, in fact, levels fell below acceptable thresholds for extended periods.

Investigators determined that on four separate dates – October 10, 11, and 12 at the Memorial water treatment facility, and May 27 at the Porter facility – chlorine levels remained below the mandated .75 mg/L for over four hours. This failure to maintain proper disinfection poses a potential risk to public health, as insufficient chlorine can allow harmful bacteria and viruses to proliferate in the water supply. The Safe Drinking Water Act mandates strict adherence to these standards, and requires accurate reporting to ensure public safety.

The falsified reports were submitted as part of routine monthly filings required by the DEP, and are critical for verifying compliance with federal regulations. Failure to promptly report disinfectant level failures, as also required, constitutes a serious breach of public trust and a violation of federal law. The EPA’s investigation highlighted the importance of accurate record-keeping and reporting in maintaining the integrity of public water systems.

As part of the sentencing, U.S. District Court Judge Douglas P. Woodlock ordered Tetreault to not only pay the substantial fine but also to issue formal letters of apology to the Town of Avon. Furthermore, Tetreault is required to fund the publication of these apologies in the Boston Globe, as well as in industry publications of the Massachusetts and New England Waterworks Associations. This unusual component of the sentence underscores the severity of the offense and the need for public acknowledgement of wrongdoing.

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Key Facts

Defendant: John F. Tetreault
Location: Avon, Massachusetts
Crime: Falsifying reports regarding disinfectant levels in public water supply.
Statutes Violated: Title 18 U.S. Criminal Code, specifically 18 U.S.C. 1001 (making false statements).
Penalties: One year probation, $15,000 fine, letters of apology published in multiple outlets.
Agencies Involved: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), U.S. Attorney’s Office.

“This case sends a clear message that those entrusted with public health and safety will be held accountable for their actions,” stated a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office. “Falsifying reports not only undermines the integrity of the water treatment process but also puts communities at risk.” The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anton P. Giedt of the Civil Division.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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