Maine Roofer Charged With Manslaughter For Death Of Worker

The owner of a southern Maine roofing company is charged with manslaughter after one of his workers fell to his death.

The accident happened last December, when 30-year-old roofer, Alan Loignon, fell from the top of a three-story apartment building. He was taken to a local hospital, where he later died. Loignon was employed, at the time, by Purvis Home Improvement, which is owned by Loignon's half-brother, Shawn Purvis.

Now, Purvis is accused of causing Loignon's death by acting recklessly or with criminal negligence, and is charged with Manslaughter and Workplace Manslaughter. WGME-TV says this is not the first time Purvis has been in trouble for not providing fall protection for his workers. His company has been cited four times and OSHA has issued nearly $44,000 in fines for those and other violations, and it's that history that prompted the charges for Loignon's death.

If convicted, Purvis faces up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.