By ALEX GINSBERG
Last updated: 8:38 pm
June 27, 2008
Posted: 3:30 am
June 12, 2008
A Brooklyn developer was slapped with manslaughter charges yesterday for alleged shoddy construction practices that led to a fatal collapse.
William Lattarulo, 63, was released on $25,000 bail following his arraignment in Brooklyn Supreme Court for allegedly failing to properly secure the exposed foundation for a building in East New York.
Day laborer Lauro Ortega, 30, was killed when the foundation's wall collapsed on him.
Brooklyn DA Charles Hynes blasted what he described as Lattarulo's "complete disregard for the safety of his workers."
Prosecutors said Lattarulo hired a licensed contractor to oversee the work, but then performed it himself to save $90,000.
Lattarulo's attorney, Norman Steiner, called Ortega's death a tragic accident.
