2 S.C. men indicted for causing Amtrak train crash, faking injury
COLUMBIA, S.C. --Two men in South Carolina face seven federal charges after authorities say they parked a car on train tracks, causing an Amtrak train to derail, then came back and claimed they were injured in the crash.
Prosecutors say 33-year-old James Love and 34-year-old Deon Roberts were indicted last week on charges of fraud and causing the September 6, 2013 train wreck. The indictment was unsealed Wednesday after they were arrested.
The indictment says they parked a stolen car on the tracks in Allendale County, then left until an Amtrak train crashed into it. Authorities say Love got back into the damaged car and Roberts laid down near it, both claiming to be severely injured.
CBS affiliate WLTX reports that Love, a convicted felon, was also charged in a separate Indictment with unlawful possession of a shotgun and live shells.
None of the 128 passengers on the train were hurt.
Court records didn't list a lawyer for either man.
"The safety of the American railroad system is among the highest priorities of the country's law enforcement agencies," said Amtrak Inspector General Tom Howard. "Those who would seek to interfere with the well-being of Amtrak's passengers and the commerce of the railroads will be held accountable to the greatest extent allowed under the law."