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Billerica Auto Auction President Faces Manslaughter Charges In 2017 Crash That Killed 5

The owner of a Massachusetts auto auction where five people were killed when a vehicle driven by an unlicensed driver plowed into a crowd two years ago has pleaded not guilty to five counts of manslaughter.

The 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee that crashed into people at the Lynnway Auto Auction in Billerica in 2007 (Courtesy Middesex County District Attorney's Office)
The 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee that crashed into people at the Lynnway Auto Auction in Billerica in 2007 (Courtesy Middesex County District Attorney's Office)

James Lamb, owner of the Lynnway Auto Auction in Billerica, was released on personal recognizance after his arraignment Thursday.

Prosecutors say the 67-year-old Lamb hired unlicensed drivers despite being told not to, and failed to make necessary safety upgrades as required.

Two people died at the scene when the Jeep Grand Cherokee accelerated into a crowd in May 2017 and three died in the following days. Seven were injured. The driver wasn't charged.

Lamb's attorney, Hank Brennan, said outside court that the company "took every safety measure known" to protect customers and workers.

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