Ex-Southern States Boss Convicted of Manslaughter in Loudoun County, VA, Firefighter LODD
A former Southern States Cooperative worker was convicted of involuntary manslaughter Monday in connection with an explosion that killed a Loudoun County firefighter.
In 2024, Loudoun County firefighters were in a house checking on a gas leak when an explosion occurred, killing Sterling Firefighter Trevor Brown, 45, and injuring 13.
Some of those firefighters were at the courthouse when the verdict was announced, WRC reported late Monday afternoon.
A Loudoun County jury deliberated for about 23 hours over the past few days following the 10-day trial before returning the verdict against Roger Bentley -- guilty of four offenses.
Sentencing is set for Nov. 6, and Bentley is facing up to 10 years.
"This trial was about accountability for us. It's an important trial. It's an important chapter in our overall recovery, but nothing brings Trevor back. So, it's one chapter in figuring out what's next," said Loudoun Fire & Rescue Chief James Williams, WUSA9 reported.
"The verdict was correct," Loudoun County Commonwealth's Attorney Bob Anderson said after the verdict. "There are repercussions for certain activity that the jury found that that activity requires certain repercussions."
Bentley's attorneys told jurors he was the 'fall guy,' and blamed the homeowner for the explosion.
After arriving about two hours after he was called by a frantic technician, he suggested they let the tank leak the propane out and "let it seep on the ground, and be on their merry way," per a search warrant.
He also told the homeowner there was no need to call the fire department.
Susan Nicol | News Editor
Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues.
