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.

TOP NEWS | 'Go back to China': Racist rant suspect ID'd as daughter of late NY senator

In this Eyewitness News exclusive, CeFaan Kim tracks down the suspect whose racist rant inside a New York City cab went viral.

----------

* More Long Island news

* Send us a news tip

* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts

* Follow us on YouTube

Submit a News Tip