RePlanet charged with felony for death of employee

San Bernardino County, California District Attorney Mike Ramos has announced that RePlanet LLC, has been charged with two felony counts in connection with the death of one of their employees several years ago. Cal OSHA was the investigating agency.  

The criminal complaint alleges that the company willfully violated worker safety rules, which caused the death of Salvador Garcia. According to the District Attorney’s office, on Aug. 20, 2013, Garcia — a truck driver for RePlanet — was crushed by a 35,000-pound earth mover at the company’s Rancho Cucamonga, California, facility.

Arraignment of the defendant is expected to occur on August 18 at the San Bernardino Superior Court in Rancho Cucamonga.

The case will be prosecuted by Douglas Poston, lead deputy district attorney of the county’s Consumer & Environmental Protection Unit.

“We believe very strongly in the law that requires employers to provide a safe and healthful place of employment. This case reflects District Attorney Ramos’ ongoing commitment to protect workers from illegal and dangerous practices,” Poston said.

If convicted as charged RePlanet faces a fine of $1.5 million.

To view the charges, click here.