The owner of a Boston bar has admitted to interfering with an investigation into the discovery of a critically injured patron outside of his establishment.
John Rogaris pleaded guilty Tuesday to charges of withholding evidence during the course of a criminal investigation, witness intimidation and two counts of misleading an investigator, according to Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel F. Conley.
A passerby discovered the man on the ground outside of Roggie's on Chestnut Hill Avenue in Brighton, Massachusetts, and called for emergency assistance. The man was transported to Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital with life-threatening head injuries.
Had the case proceeded to trial, evidence and testimony to prove that on May 23, 2014, a 20-year-old man from Ireland fell down a flight of stairs inside Roggie's. Rather than calling 911 when the man was discovered, employees moved the man outside and placed him in a parking lot. Prosecutors say this move was undertaken at Rogaris' direction.
During the course of the investigation, police obtained video that showed a body being moved out of the establishment.
Rogaris has been sentenced to two years in the house of correction, suspended for a probationary period of two years, during which time he must complete 200 hours of community service.
