A Virginia propane technician's negligence led to a catastrophic home explosion that claimed the life of volunteer firefighter Trevor Brown and injured 14 others in Sterling.

According to WTOP News, Roger Bentley, a former Southern States Cooperative employee, was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and three misdemeanor fire code violations by a Loudoun County jury. The verdict came after several days of deliberation regarding the February 2024 incident.

Prosecutors successfully argued that Bentley failed to address a dangerous propane leak at a Silver Ridge Drive residence. The technician allegedly dismissed homeowner Kelley Woods' concerns about the propane smell, advising against contacting fire authorities and promising to handle the situation the following week.

Critical Safety Protocols Ignored by Technician

The investigation revealed that Bentley was legally obligated to mitigate approximately 125 gallons of leaking propane from an underground tank used for pool heating. Another technician had previously detected the propane odor while performing a partial tank fill at the Sterling residence.

Bentley's actions directly violated established safety protocols designed to prevent such catastrophic incidents. The prosecution demonstrated that his failure to take immediate action when presented with clear signs of danger ultimately led to the fatal explosion.

The case highlighted significant lapses in professional judgment that resulted in devastating consequences for the community. The incident raised serious questions about adherence to safety regulations in the propane service industry.

Defense Team Claims Technician Was "Fall Guy"

Defense attorney Kelly King mounted a vigorous defense, arguing that Bentley had no knowledge of the tank leak despite taking measurements. The defense team emphasized that the homeowner never explicitly informed Bentley about the leak on the day of the incident.

King further revealed that another technician had warned Woods in 2021 that the tank was unsafe and required replacement. The defense portrayed Bentley as a "blue collar guy" who became a convenient scapegoat for the tragedy.

The defense team urged jurors to focus on facts rather than emotions, claiming prosecutors failed to produce concrete evidence of Bentley's awareness of the dangerous situation. However, their arguments ultimately failed to convince the jury.

Impact on Sterling Community and First Responders

The explosion sent shockwaves through the Sterling community, particularly affecting local first responders. Trevor Brown, a dedicated member of the Sterling Volunteer Fire Company, lost his life while responding to the emergency.

The incident resulted in injuries to fourteen other individuals, marking one of the most significant residential disasters in recent Loudoun County history. The explosion caused extensive damage to the surrounding neighborhood, scattering debris across Silver Ridge Drive.

The case brought attention to the crucial role of first responders and the risks they face in the line of duty. Brown's death particularly resonated with the local firefighting community.

Why This Story Matters

This story underscores how everyday maintenance work can carry life-and-death consequences. It serves as a vital reminder to local residents, technicians, and emergency responders about the importance of safety diligence, communication, and taking proper action at the first sign of danger. As communities continue to rely on gas systems, regulations and accountability must remain strong.

Conclusion

A Loudoun County jury has found Roger Bentley guilty of involuntary manslaughter after concluding that his failure to act in the face of a known propane leak led to a Sterling home explosion that killed firefighter Trevor Brown and hurt 14 others. The incident occurred on February 16, 2024, and Bentley, then a technician for Southern States Cooperative, allegedly downplayed the risk and discouraged the homeowner from calling authorities.

The defense claimed Bentley had no knowledge of the leak, stating that the homeowner withheld that information and that another technician had previously labeled the tank unsafe. Bentley was also convicted of three misdemeanor fire code violations and could face up to 13 years in prison when sentenced on November 6, 2025.