In what is likely to become a precedent-setting case, a Connecticut pool builder and its CEO have pled guilty in connection with the 2007 entrapment death of a six-year-old boy.
David Lionetti pled guilty to criminally negligent homicide under an agreement that will spare him prison time, while his company, Shoreline Pools Inc., pled guilty to second-degree manslaughter and will pay $150,000 for water-safety advertisements.
The State of Connecticut sought criminal charges against Lionetti and Shoreline after an investigation proved the child’s death was caused by faulty drain equipment.
According to the Norwich Bulletin, prosecutors allege Lionetti recklessly caused the boy’s death, because his company failed to install a required safety device that would have prevented the boy’s arm from getting stuck in a powerful pump drain. His attorney has said Lionetti was unaware of a 2004 law requiring the device.
With his plea, Lionetti agrees to a one-year suspended sentence with three years probation, 500 hours of community service and a public service project that requires him and Shoreline Pools to bring 100 area pools in compliance with all legal requirements and building codes. The company will also staff safety booths at the International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo and Atlantic City Pool & Spa Show, where it will be required to distribute water safety information.
