Home Improvement Contractor in Maine Charged with Manslaughter

April 23, 2019

The owner of a home improvement company charged with manslaughter following the death of a worker is set for a court hearing.

The Portland Press Herald reports the arraignment of Saco-based contractor, Shawn D. Purvis, is scheduled for May 20 at Portland Unified Criminal Court.

Purvis faces one count of workplace manslaughter in the death of 30-year-old Alan Loignon, his half-brother.

Loignon fell off a roof in December in Portland, Maine.

Purvis has said he cannot force his roofers to use safety gear he provides because they’re self-employed subcontractors, not employees.

A state Department of Labor spokeswoman said general contractors are responsible for work site safety regardless of whether workers are contractors.

If convicted, the manslaughter charge carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a $50,000 fine.

Topics Contractors Maine

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