PHILADELPHIA (AP) The attorney for an excavator operator charged in the Philadelphia building collapse that killed six people two years ago says his client plans to plead guilty Tuesday to charges including involuntary manslaughter and causing a catastrophe.
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Sean Benschop was working on tearing down a vacant building in downtown Philadelphia in June 2013 when a four-story wall came crashing down onto the Salvation Army thrift store next door, burying those inside under a tangled pile of wood, concrete and rebar. Rescuers using buckets and bare hands worked through the night removing bricks and rubble in search of survivors and victims.
Benschop, who was head of S&R Contracting, pleaded guilty to six counts of involuntary manslaughter and multiple counts of reckless endangerment and conspiracy. A toxicology report taken after the demolition showed that Benschop tested positive for marijuana.
Under the plea deal, prosecutors agreed to drop charges of third-degree murder, and will recommend a sentence of 10 to 20 years.
Campbell is scheduled for trial September 28.
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Authorities have not charged building owner Richard Basciano, who hired Campbell’s cut-rate bid for the work.
