Conn. pool company head chooses judge instead of jury for manslaughter trial in child's death
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A swimming pool company president charged in connection with a 6-year-old Connecticut boy's drowning has decided to face a judge rather than a jury.
Defense attorney Richard Meehan Jr. said Monday that Shoreline Pools President David Lionetti chose a trial by judge in Stamford Superior Court. Lionetti has pleaded not guilty to second-degree manslaughter, and his trial starts in October.
State prosecutors allege Lionetti recklessly caused Zachary Cohn's death in 2007, because his company failed to install a required safety device that would have prevented the Greenwich (GREN'-ich) boy's arm from getting stuck in a powerful pump drain.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Meehan says Lionetti was unaware of the 2004 law that requires the safety device.
Lionetti is free on $25,000 bail. He faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted.