Atty: Concrete lab chief in NYC case tried suicide, hospitalized as sentencing loomed

Atty: Concrete lab chief in NYC case tried suicide

NEW YORK — A defense lawyer says a concrete-testing company chief, convicted in a New York City case, tried to kill himself on the eve of his Manhattan sentencing.

Testwell Laboratories Inc. President V. Reddy Kancharla was convicted of racketeering. The case involved such New York City landmarks as ground zero’s signature tower and the new Yankee Stadium.

He was to be sentenced Wednesday. But attorney Paul Shechtman said Kancharla was hospitalized after attempting suicide Tuesday. Defense lawyers said Kancharla also tried to take his life during jury deliberations in February.

Meanwhile, a judge sentenced Testwell Vice President Vincent Barone to 63 months to 16 years in prison for his racketeering conviction. Barone remained free on appeal.