New York City, NY (NewYorkInjuryNews.com) — The top crane inspector for the city of New York has been charged with corruption and arrested. James Delayo, of the Bronx, NY was charged with three felonies and one misdemeanor for accepting bribes, illegally modifying business records, and other crimes. Delayo’s arrest comes after reports of two crane collapses in a three month time span. The 60 year old held the position of New York City’s chief inspector for the building department. He was promoted in March after working for the city’s Department of Buildings for 26 years. His duties included inspecting derricks and cranes for safety. Delayo has allegedly accepted a number of bribes in a five year span beginning in 2002 from crane operators in exchange for passing grades on inspections. Monies reported to have been accepted range from $200 and up. The Mayor of New York City, Michael Bloomberg, has commented on the city’s zero tolerance for corruption. Delayo is currently facing a 20 year sentence for the crimes.
Several individuals have reportedly been injured in crane accidents since the beginning of the year. The most recent crane accident, reported in May, resulted in the death of two workers, and the severe injury of another. Approximately nine individuals have reportedly died in crane related accidents in 2008. The city’s heavy building increase has been said to contribute to the high increase in the number of construction accidents overall, compared to 2006 and 2007. The accidents have set off a firestorm of requests for improved working conditions, and tighter inspection procedures. City officials have remarked on their efforts to improve the safety of workers and others in the wake of the high amount of construction presently under way throughout the city.
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