Willington, MO – A Missouri man has received a probationary sentence after admitting to illegally entering a municipal water tower, forcing the town of Willington to take drastic measures to ensure public safety. Paul Evilsizer, 42, pled guilty to misdemeanor trespass on January 21, 2009, and was sentenced to 24 months of probation, according to court records.
The incident, which occurred in early January 2009, triggered a significant public health concern. Authorities were alerted after Evilsizer was discovered inside the Willington water tower. Due to the potential for contamination – and as a precautionary measure – the town was forced to completely drain the water tower, disrupting service to residents and businesses. The cost of draining and refilling the tower, along with extensive water quality testing, fell upon the town’s taxpayers.
While the investigation did not reveal any *actual* contamination of the water supply, the act of unauthorized entry raised serious concerns about the integrity of the town’s crucial infrastructure. Local officials expressed outrage at the reckless behavior, emphasizing the potential for a far more serious outcome. “This wasn’t a prank; it was a dangerous and irresponsible act that put the entire community at risk,” stated a representative from the Willington town hall who wished to remain anonymous.
Legal Ramifications
Evilsizer was charged under Missouri State law with misdemeanor trespass, specifically violating statutes related to unauthorized entry onto private or public property. Under Missouri law, a misdemeanor trespass conviction can carry a penalty of up to one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000. However, in this case, the judge opted to impose a sentence of 24 months probation with no financial penalty. Legal experts suggest that the lack of a fine may be due to the absence of demonstrable damage beyond the cost of the emergency water system response, which was absorbed by the town itself.
Ongoing Concerns
The incident has prompted a review of security measures at the Willington water tower and other critical infrastructure facilities throughout the county. Town officials are considering upgrades to fencing, lighting, and alarm systems to deter future intrusions. The case also highlights the vulnerability of public water supplies to potential acts of vandalism or terrorism, raising broader questions about infrastructure security nationwide.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Paul Evilsizer
- Charge: Misdemeanor Trespass
- State: Missouri
- Year: 2009
- Statute Violated: Missouri State Law – Unauthorized Entry
- Penalty: 24 months probation, no fine
- Incident: Unauthorized entry into the Willington water tower, leading to a complete draining and testing of the water supply.
- Citation Number: 5704000
GrimyTimes will continue to follow this case and report on any further developments regarding infrastructure security in the region.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
Related Federal Cases
- Michael Jett Sentenced to 23 Months for Tax Evasion, Missouri, 2017… · Missouri
- No Defendant Found, No Crimes Committed, Kansas City MO, 2025 · Kansas
- FDIC Assembles New Banking Watchdogs, Washington D.C., 2023 · Wisconsin
- Raymond A. Schaefer, Making False Statements to a Financial Institu… · Iowa
- Brittany Aulden Barnes Sentenced to Prison for Tornado Scam and Ide… · Illinois
