Jury selection begins in NYC concrete-test trial; co. accused of faking results for projects
By APThursday, November 19, 2009
Jury selection begins in NYC concrete-test trial
NEW YORK — Jury selection has started for the racketeering trial of a company accused of doctoring concrete strength tests for ground zero’s signature tower, the new Yankee Stadium and other major New York City-area buildings.
A Manhattan judge told prospective jurors Thursday that the case against Testwell Laboratories Inc. and four executives could take until early March.
Prosecutors say the company altered and outright invented concrete and steel test results for more than 100 projects. The defendants say the disputed results reflect minor adjustments, mistakes or common industry practices.
The stadium, ground zero’s Freedom Tower and some other projects have been retested and declared safe. Authorities are awaiting results for at least 71 more.
