A construction crane rigger has been cleared of all criminal charges in connection with a deadly crane collapse in Manhattan two years ago.

William Rapetti faced charges of manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, assault and reckless endangerment.

The judge issued his ruling this morning.

Prosecutors say Rapetti recklessly ignored safety standards and used faulty polyester straps to secure the crane to cut costs. Rapetti’s lawyers deny any wrongdoing – and questioned whether it was actually broken slings that caused the crane to fall.

Rapetti was the only person to face criminal charges in the March 2008 collapse at a high rise construction site in Turtle Bay. Six construction workers and a tourist in a neighboring building were killed in the collapse.

In response to the judge’s ruling, Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance Jr. released the following statement:

“While we respect the criminal justice process, we are extremely disappointed by the court’s verdict. At this time our thoughts go out to the seven victims’ families, whose lives were devastated by this tragic incident.”

(Source: NY1)