By LARRY CELONA
June 6, 2008
A top crane inspector with the embattled Buildings Department was arrested today on corruption charges for allegedly taking bribes and selling copies of the crane operator test, law enforcement sources said.
James Delayo, the chief inspector for hoist and rigging, was picked up by the Department of Investigation at his Bronx home.
He's accused of taking thousands of dollars in bribes from an unidentified Queens construction firm. Law enforcement sources further say he sold prospective crane operators copies of the licensing exam.
The revelation of Delayo's alleged corruption come as the Buildings Department is investigating two deadly crane collapses within 12 weeks.
Copies of the test were found in his home, sources said.
It's unclear if Delayo's arrest is connected to the May 30 crane collapse on 335 E. 91st Street which killed two workers.
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