Former Stoughton employee pleads guilty to tampering with the town's drinking water

A former employee of the Stoughton Water Department, Robert J. Bullock, Sr., has pleaded guilty to tampering with the town's drinking water supply, as announced by the U.S. Attorney's Office in Massachusetts. The 60-year-old Brockton resident entered his plea in federal court on March 26, facing significant charges that could result in a prison sentence of up to 20 years.

The allegations against Bullock stem from an incident in 2022 when he reportedly disabled the chlorination system at one of Stoughton's pumping stations, compromising the disinfection process of the town's drinking water. Fortunately, Stoughton Town Manager Thomas Calter informed residents in a 2023 letter that the town's prompt response mitigated any danger to water quality by preventing low chlorine levels from persisting.

Following these events, Bullock was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 5, 2024, which included two counts of making false statements in addition to the tampering charge. He was arrested shortly after, on March 7, and released the same day.

Calter highlighted that Bullock's motives for the tampering were linked to his dissatisfaction with workplace discipline and the confiscation of his work vehicle. This context adds a layer of complexity to the former employee's actions, raising concerns about the safety and integrity of public utilities.

Bullock is scheduled for sentencing on June 25, 2024, which will determine the consequences for his actions against the community's water safety. The incident serves as a critical reminder of the importance of oversight and accountability in public service roles.