A New York limestone quarry manager pleaded guilty Friday to second-degree manslaughter, a Class C felony, in connection with a mine worker’s death in October 2022, the U.S. Department of Labor said Friday.
Anthony Valente, who managed the RJ Valente Grafton Quarry in Grafton, admitted causing the death of Darren Miller, who was struck by a crane, according to the DOL.
Mr. Valente was given a six-month jail sentence and five years of probation.
The DOL’s Mine Safety and Health Administration found that Mr. Valente overrode a crane’s safety features when he used it to lower a replacement engine into a haul truck.
Mr. Miller was helping to guide the engine into place when the crane’s overhaul hook ball detached and fell on him, causing his death, the DOL said.
The mine safety agency cited RJ Valente Gravel for failing to remove the damaged crane from service and for failing to ensure Mr. Miller stayed clear of suspended loads.
It said the crane that was involved in the incident was tagged “out of service” during previous inspections, but that it remained in use and was never repaired.
The Rensselaer County District Attorney’s Office handled the criminal case against Mr. Valente.