Conversations had between New York State Police and the operator of the limousine involved in the Schoharie crash last year will be allowed at trial, a Schoharie County judge ruled Tuesday.

A hearing earlier this month had the defense challenging these conversations following the deadly crash last October that killed 20 people. Prestige Limousine Operator Nauman Hussain had those conversations before his arrest.

Prosecutors said Hussain was not a suspect at the time he spoke with police and that investigators were speaking with him as they worked to identify the victims.

In the decision, the judge said Hussain was not in custody or coerced and was not considered a suspect at the time.

In addition, statements made to a state Department of Transportation investigator earlier in 2018 pertaining to inspection of the vehicle involved will also be allowed.

Hussain's trial is scheduled to begin March 9 in Schoharie.