Judsons Construction under investigation

MILLERTON — A representative from the state of Connecticut Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) has confirmed that an investigation is ongoing into the construction accident death of an Ancram teen, with criminal charges possible against Judson’s Construction Inc. of Millerton.

However, Resident Trooper Mark Lauretano, from Connecticut State Police Troop B, who is in charge of the accident investigation, according to the Litchfield State Attorney's office, was not available to comment on the criminal status of the investigation.

On July 2, Crystal Slater was working for Judson Construction of Millerton on a roofing project at an apartment building in Lakeville, Conn. She fell 30 feet from a platform and landed head first on a stone patio.

She remained in a coma until she died on Wednesday, July 11, at Hartford Hospital.

Witnesses said that Slater was not wearing a safety harness at the time of the accident.

Paul Oates, a representative from OSHA, said that both OSHA and the Connecticut state police are investigating the accident.

“We will have a press release early next week,†Oates said.

The Connecticut Department of Labor’s Web site lists roofing operations and construction as two occupations that are prohibited for all minors under the age of 18. Slater was 17.

In January, the state passed tougher labor laws that impose fines between $2,000 and $5,000 with the possibility of up to five years imprisonment for each violation.

“All we know is that OSHA is investigating,†said Stella Slater, Crystal’s adoptive mother. “I can’t answer anything besides that.â€

Lakeville Selectman Peter Oliver, owner of the six-unit Lakeview Apartments building on Millerton Road where Slater's accident occurred, said that Judson Construction owner, Nathan Judson, and his partner, Pat Murray, have worked for him several times during the past 10 years.

“They both have worked on numerous roofs for me,†Oliver said. “And whenever I asked them for a certificate of insurance they presented one to me.â€

As of Monday, almost a full month after the accident, Judson was seen still working on Oliver’s building along with a co-worker.

When asked about the accident at the apartment building, Judson said he would not answer any questions.

“I have been told that I am not allowed to speak,†Judson said.

According to a press release on the Connecticut OSHA Web site, the department investigates approximately 800 cases involving minors in the workplace a year.

Meanwhile, friends continue to leave messages on Slater's memorial Web site at www.myspace.com/krispeprchiky.

A user by the name of “Lynda Lou†wrote in the comments section of the site that Slater is loved and missed.

“For some reason the good die young, and we all know all you ever wanted to do was good!†she wrote on the Web site. “Rest in peace.â€

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