In a case that has drawn national attention, Dunyadar Gasanov, co-owner of Westfield Transport, pleaded guilty to federal charges related to the tragic 2019 crash in New Hampshire that resulted in the deaths of seven members of the Jarheads Motorcycle Club. The crash, caused by one of the company’s drivers, Volodymyr Zhukovskyy, has left a lasting impact on the victims’ families and the broader community.
The Tragic Incident
On June 21, 2019, Volodymyr Zhukovskyy, a driver for Westfield Transport, was involved in a devastating crash that killed seven motorcyclists in Randolph, New Hampshire. The victims were members of the Jarheads Motorcycle Club, a group consisting mostly of U.S. Marine veterans and their spouses. The crash shocked the nation and led to intense scrutiny of the trucking company and its practices.
Legal Proceedings Against Westfield Transport
The Gasanov brothers, Dunyadar (also known as Damien) and Dartanayan, owned Westfield Transport at the time of the crash. Following the incident, both were indicted in February 2021 on multiple charges, including making false statements to federal investigators and falsifying records related to their trucking business.
On August 2024, Dunyadar Gasanov pleaded guilty to three counts of making false statements to investigators. These charges were directly related to the company’s operations and the events leading up to the crash.
The Charges Explained
The charges against the Gasanov brothers stem from allegations that they falsified driving logs and other records to evade federal regulations. The regulations in question are designed to ensure the safety of drivers and other road users by limiting the number of hours a driver can be on the road.
- Falsifying Driving Logs: Between May 3, 2019, and June 23, 2019, it is alleged that both Dunyadar and Dartanayan falsified driving logs. These logs are crucial for ensuring that drivers do not exceed the federally mandated driving hours, which are in place to prevent fatigue-related accidents.
- Instructing Employees to Falsify Records: It is also alleged that Dunyadar instructed at least one employee to falsify records regarding drivers exceeding permissible driving hours. This practice puts both drivers and other road users at significant risk.
- False Statements to Inspectors: Dunyadar Gasanov allegedly told inspectors that he only met Volodymyr Zhukovskyy on the day he hired him. However, it was later revealed that Dunyadar had known Zhukovskyy for years and was aware of his prior DUI charge. This false statement was a key factor in the federal investigation.
The Court’s Response
The U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni, who has been overseeing the case, scheduled Dunyadar Gasanov’s sentencing for November 21, 2024. The court’s acceptance of Dunyadar’s guilty plea marks a significant development in the ongoing legal saga surrounding the 2019 crash.
Dartanayan Gasanov’s Legal Battle Continues
While Dunyadar has pleaded guilty, his brother and co-defendant, Dartanayan, has pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial. Interestingly, Dartanayan attempted to plead guilty back in November 2021, but Judge Mastroianni rejected his plea, stating that he was not convinced that Dartanayan was knowingly and voluntarily admitting to the offenses.
The reasons behind the judge’s decision to reject Dartanayan’s plea in 2021 remain unclear. However, this decision has led to a prolonged legal battle, with Dartanayan now facing a trial that could result in severe penalties if he is found guilty.
Ongoing Impact and Future Developments
The repercussions of the 2019 crash continue to unfold. The legal proceedings have not only affected the Gasanov brothers but have also brought attention to the trucking industry’s regulatory practices. The case highlights the importance of adhering to federal regulations designed to protect the safety of all road users.
For the families of the seven motorcyclists who lost their lives, the court proceedings offer a sense of justice, though no legal outcome can fully compensate for their loss. The case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences that can arise from negligence in the trucking industry.
As the story develops, more information is likely to emerge, particularly as Dartanayan Gasanov’s trial progresses. The case remains a critical example of the need for strict enforcement of safety regulations in the trucking industry.
