Mechanic Pleads Guilty After NYC Crane Collapse

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A mechanic charged in a crane collapse in New York City has pleaded guilty to criminal negligent homicide.

Tibor Varganyi also agreed to testify against James Lomma, the crane company owner.

In pleading guilty, Varganyi will avoid a manslaughter charge that carries a possible 15-year sentence.

The New York Times, citing a transcript of a closed Oct. 5 hearing, said Varganyi could be spared jail time if he testifies against Lomma.

The New York Crane and Equipment Corporation owner is charged with manslaughter and other charges.

Lomma's lawyer, Andrew Lankler, said it was unfortunate Varganyi pleaded guilty because the evidence will demonstrate no one at the company violated any criminal laws.

Prosecutors say the men arranged for a cheap welding job on the crane that failed.

Please leave a comment below…

(TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)