Former co-owner of Westfield Transport, Inc., Dunyadar Gasanov, pleaded guilty to federal charges yesterday in connection with a 2019 crash in New Hampshire, which resulted in the death of seven motorcyclists. According to a Justice Department statement, Gasanov, 39, admitted to making false statements to federal investigators surrounding the fatal collision.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy emphasized the seriousness of the case, stating, "We will not forget the lives in June 2019 that relates to this conviction. This defendant flouted those laws that are critical to public safety, and he jeopardized everyone on the road, with tragic consequences here." The charges against Gasanov included falsification of driving logs by instructing an employee to exceed permissible driving hours and lying about the employment of a driver involved in the 2019 accident. Gasanov's sentencing is scheduled for November 21, 2024, with each count of making a false statement carrying a potential five-year prison term, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Department of Transportation's Office of Inspector General, Christopher A. Scharf acknowledged the gravity of the incident, "Today’s guilty plea is a somber reminder of the lives lost on June 21, 2019, and the devastating impact this tragic accident had on loved ones and the community." Court documents revealed that Gasanov had instructed at least one Westfield Transport employee to falsify records, in an effort to evade federal regulations designed to maintain roadway and driver safety.
In a stark admission Gasanov conceded that he falsely stated to inspectors he had met a Westfield Transport driver, responsible for the crash, on the day he hired him. In reality, he had known the driver for years, and was aware the individual had previously been charged with operating a vehicle under the influence. Dartanayan Gasanov, a co-defendant and alleged co-conspirator, has pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial. All the information presented in the indictment are, as of now, allegations and Dartanayan is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil L. Desroches of the Springfield Branch Office is handling prosecution for the case.
