Connecticut contractor indicted in Mamaroneck trench collapse death

Authorities say that 59-year-old Michael Conway, an official with Lecher Development, was indicted on charges stemming from the death of 46-year-old Jose Vega.

Katerina Belales

Feb 26, 2024, 5:18 PM

Updated 222 days ago

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A Connecticut contractor has been indicted in the 2021 trench collapse death of a worker in the Village of Mamaroneck.
The Westchester DA and the regional director of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration stated that 59-year-old Michael Conway, an official with Lecher Development, was indicted on charges stemming from the death of 46-year-old Jose Vega. Conway allegedly directed two workers at a residential construction site on Shore Acres Drive to dig a trench without proper protections in place. Officials added that the site supervisor allegedly knew the excavation was in violation of OSHA regulations.
The approximately 9-foot unprotected trench collapsed, burying Vega under dirt. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Richard Ferrante, Conway's attorney, says it was a tragic accident. "It's my understanding that there was a supervisor there from the excavating company, at least at some point on site. So again, I'm getting to the bottom of the facts now. It's a very new case and they need time to review it, obviously."
Conway was charged with criminally negligent homicide and reckless endangerment. He was arraigned in Westchester County Court with bail set at $5,000 cash and is due back in court next month.