NEW YORK (AP) — A defense lawyer says a concrete-testing laboratory and its president “vehemently deny” charges of faking results for more than a dozen projects around New York City including a LaGuardia Airport control tower, the new Yankee Stadium and a hospital.
American Standard Testing and Consulting Laboratories Inc., President Alan Fortich and five staffers pleaded not guilty Thursday to racketeering and other charges.
The Manhattan district attorney’s office says the company created thousands of phony reports for tests designed to make sure concrete was strong enough.
Defense attorney Richard Leff says the tests were done correctly. He represents Fortich and the company.
Prosecutors say they believe any safety concerns have been addressed.
