The owner of a home improvement company charged with manslaughter following the death of a worker is set for a court hearing.
The Portland Press Herald reports the arraignment of Saco-based contractor, Shawn D. Purvis, is scheduled for May 20 at Portland Unified Criminal Court.
Purvis faces one count of workplace manslaughter in the death of 30-year-old Alan Loignon, his half-brother.
Loignon fell off a roof in December in Portland, Maine.
Purvis has said he cannot force his roofers to use safety gear he provides because they're self-employed subcontractors, not employees.
A state Department of Labor spokeswoman said general contractors are responsible for work site safety regardless of whether workers are contractors.
If convicted, the manslaughter charge carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a $50,000 fine.
