A Bronx-based contractor, under investigation for his possible role in an explosion that rocked the East Village in March, was sentenced this week for a different crime: bribing a public official.
Dilber Kukic pleaded guilty in October to paying $600 to an undercover investigator last year. The contractor was attempting to get building code violations dismissed at his property at West 173rd Street.
Kukic was sentenced to three years of probation and 200 hours of community service, and was required to pay a $4,000 fine, the New York Post reported.
“This was a bad mistake and you’re ending up with a felony conviction,” said Judge Marcy Kahn. “This is not a way of doing business in the city of New York. But I’m glad that you took responsibility for your actions.”
Along with five others, Kukic is suspected of connecting an illegal gas line that ultimately exploded, destroying the five-story building at 121 Second Avenue.
Kukic was inside the building when the blast occured. The contractor managed to escape, dragging the son of building owner Maria Hrynenko to safety.
Nicholas Figueroa of East Harlem and Moises Locon of Elmhurst were killed in the explosion. [NYP] – Ariel Stulberg