Former LIRR worker accused of falsifying inspection reports, causing 2019 derailment
SPEONK, Long Island (WABC) -- A former Long Island Rail Road worker was arraigned in federal court on Thursday, accused of falsifying inspection reports and causing a derailment.
Authorities say Stuart Conklin, 63, claimed to have walked the LIRR tracks and tested electrical connections, but video evidence shows otherwise.
Officials say, as a result, he failed to find a broken track circuit that was later cited as a factor in a train derailment in 2019. Two cars of a 10-car train derailed on the broken track.
About 30 passengers were evacuated, but there were no injuries.
Conklin's attorney, Anthony LaPinta called his client a 'hardworking and loyal LIRR employee,' whose conduct wasn't criminal.
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