Conn. pool company head chooses judge instead of jury for manslaughter trial in child’s death

Conn. judge to decide case in child’s pool death

STAMFORD, Conn. — 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.

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.