PORTLAND, Maine (AP) A home improvement company has been charged with manslaughter following the death of a worker who fell off a roof in December in Portland, Maine.
Saco-based contractor, Shawn D. Purvis, faces one count of workplace manslaughter in the death of 30-year-old Alan Loignon, his half brother.
Purvis tells the Portland Press Herald that he provides federally approved safety gear, but cannot force his roofers to use it because they’re self-employed subcontractors, not employees.
Purvis said he was already distraught over the death of his brother on Dec. 13. Portland police say he fell from a third-story roof.
No court date has been set. If convicted, the manslaughter charge carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a $50,000 fine.
