Two arrested in Trenton Water works sting

Mercer County Prosecutor Joseph L. Bocchini Jr. today confirmed an investigation into allegations of official misconduct and theft by deception by Trenton Water Works employees.

At approximately 10:30 this morning, investigators from the prosecutor’s office executed a search warrant at Trenton Water Works and arrested Stanley Davis (pictured), 49, of Hillcrest Avenue, Trenton, and Robert Keith Williams, 49, of Meade Street, Trenton. Both men are charged with official misconduct and theft by deception.

Davis is the half brother of Trenton Mayor Tony Mack.

A third employee was also taken into custody on an unrelated warrant out of Hamilton Township.

“It is incumbent upon my office to aggressively investigate all allegations of official misconduct and take appropriate action,” Bocchini said. “My office has a duty to protect the taxpayers from this type of conduct no matter what level of government or type of employee is involved.”

According to Bocchini, the investigation “spanned the period of August through December 2010 and involved allegations of criminal activity and administrative wrongdoing at Trenton Water Works. This included allegations that employees were soliciting and performing private plumbing work and water service hookups while being paid the city, often on an overtime basis. It was also alleged that employees were using city equipment on other private plumbing jobs.”

In early November, the prosecutor’s office received information from confidential sources that Davis and several other Water Works employees were performing a private job at 31 Webster Avenue in Trenton. Mercer County detectives uncovered that Davis and his standby crew had started to excavate outside 31 Webster on the evening of November 5, but were diverted to an actual emergency on November 5, 6 and 7^{, and were unable to complete the job. On November 11, Davis and a crew of five other Water Works employees returned to 31 Webster for an “emergency.” Mercer County detectives conducted surveillance at 31 Webster and observed that there was no evidence of an “emergency.” Davis and the crew were paid holiday wages for this private work.}

Based on the investigation, Mercer County detectives set up a sting operation using a house located at 122 Home Avenue. As part of the operation, an undercover police officer met Davis, who agreed to accept two cash payments to perform private work at the house. Detectives then observed Davis and six other Water Works employees close off the street, excavate a large hole in the street and install a new water service. All of this was on overtime and it was also called in as an “emergency.” Prior to any work being performed, it was confirmed that there was nothing wrong with the water service at this location.

Williams is charged as an accomplice to Davis. A records check revealed that 31 Webster Avenue is owned by K & K Home Repairs, LLC, of 12 Meade Street, which is also Williams’ home address. Williams was also a member of the crew that worked at 31 Webster Avenue.

Davis’ bail was set at $200,000 and a bail source hearing was ordered. Williams’ bail was set at $50,000.