Bail Reduction Denied For Demolition Worker in Deadly Center City Building Collapse
By Tony Hanson
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Despite a defense request to lower bail, the bail remains at about $1.6 million for the heavy equipment operator charged in connection with the deadly Salvation Army thrift store collapse last June (see related story).
Defendant Sean Benschop remains in custody. He's the only person charged in the case, although a grand jury investigation continues.
Also today, a preliminary hearing in the case, the first test of the prosecution's evidence, has been postponed until December 10th by agreement of both defense and prosecution.
Defense attorney Daine Grey, who adamantly maintains that Benschop did not cause the building collapse, says a delay was in the defense's best interest.
"Based on the information that I have received, the experts I have talked to, all the information I have reviewed, I do not believe Sean Benschop is guilty in any way, shape, or form in contributing to the building collapse," Grey tells KYW Newsradio.
Six people died and Benschop, who authorities say had marijuana in his system, is charged with six counts of involuntary manslaughter, with additional charges linked to more than a dozen injured people.
