Ascension water plant worker fired, arrested after video showed him urinating in water.

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DONALDSONVILLE - A parish worker has been fired and faces criminal charges after he apparently urinated in the water supply at an Ascension water plant.

The Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office identified the worker as 57-year-old Michael Mastin of Baton Rouge. He was arrested on two counts of contaminating water supplies and two counts criminal damage to a critical infrastructure.

The incident happened March 19 at the parish's water plant in Donaldsonville. Video shared by parish officials showed Mastin walking up to a surveillance camera and adjusting it so that his lower body and the water were just out of frame. The video then shows him standing on a platform over the water for about a minute and a half before he walks back over to the camera and moves it back to its original position. Though parish officials wouldn't be informed of what happened until days later, Ascension President Clint Cointment said the contamination did not pose a threat to the community.

"At no time was the public in danger. All water samples taken to date are in good standing and meet all safe water drinking requirements," Cointment said in a statement announcing Mastin's firing. Read the full statement from the parish president's office below. The parish has also released video from incident. From day one my administration has worked hard to build a professional parish work force that reflects and exceeds the expectations of the residents of our great parish. Today, I am extremely disappointed to be sharing the results of an employee disciplinary action.

On March 22, 2023, parish government was informed that an employee at the Donaldsonville water plant urinated in the water supply. An investigation was immediately initiated and the administration unfortunately determined the report was credible. The Parish President immediately authorized the termination of the employee. Upon the termination the employee was arrested by Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office.

At no time was the public in danger. All water samples taken to date are in good standing and meet all safe water drinking requirements.

As Parish President, I am extremely disappointed, and I find this conduct disgusting and unacceptable. This type of behavior will never be tolerated in parish government. Since the beginning of this administration we have held our parish employees accountable and this is no exception. I demand accountability on behalf of the public. The administration reported this incident to the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office, District Attorney’s Office and federal and state authorities. This incident is now in their jurisdiction as an ongoing investigation.

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