The Waterbury Times|Crime & Courts|Published May 2, 2026

WATERBURY, CT — Former Waterbury Water Superintendent Bradley Malay has been arrested following a police investigation into alleged falsification of academic credentials and professional licensing submitted during two city hiring processes, according to court records.

Malay, 50, of Killingworth, is charged with two counts of Forgery in the Second Degree, a felony offense under Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-139.

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Allegations Stem From Internal Water Department Review

According to an arrest warrant affidavit filed by Waterbury Police Sergeant Daniel Fitzgerald, the investigation began after firefighters reported insufficient water flow from hydrants during a structure fire on Bennett Avenue in April 2026.

That incident prompted a broader review of Waterbury’s water operations, including supervisory oversight and personnel qualifications within the Water Department.

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Police Say Applications Contained False or Altered Information

Investigators allege Malay submitted job applications for both Assistant Water Superintendent (2023) and Water Superintendent (2025) positions that included inaccurate academic and licensing information.

According to the affidavit:

• Malay claimed to hold a Bachelor’s degree from Southern Connecticut State University
• He submitted unofficial transcripts allegedly inconsistent with official university records
• He represented that he held a Connecticut Class III water distribution license

Police say subsequent verification with Southern Connecticut State University and state licensing records determined:

• No degree was awarded to Malay
• His academic record showed an “exploratory” major
• His water operator license had expired years earlier or was not valid as represented

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Hiring Process Under Scrutiny

Court documents state Malay was deemed eligible and ultimately hired for senior water department roles based on the submitted applications.

He was later promoted to Acting Water Superintendent in 2025 following a departmental vacancy.

Investigators allege the discrepancies were not discovered until an internal review in 2026 prompted by the hydrant flow incident.

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Resignation During Internal Review

According to the affidavit, Malay voluntarily resigned during an April 22, 2026 Human Resources meeting, after being questioned about inconsistencies in his educational background.

City HR officials later obtained official transcripts directly from Southern Connecticut State University, which allegedly contradicted the documents originally submitted.

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Charges

Malay is charged with:

• Two counts of Forgery in the Second Degree (C.G.S. § 53a-139)

He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

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Case Status

The matter is now pending in Waterbury Superior Court following the arrest warrant execution.

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How Did We Get Here? Waterbury Water Superintendent Resigns and is Arrested Following Police Investigation