DETROIT (WWJ) – A Detroit man has pleaded guilty to running a “pleasure boat” despite receiving orders from the U.S. Coast Guard to cease operations.
Benjamin Jones, 39, on Thursday entered a guilty plea to a felony charge of willfully and knowingly violating the terms of the U.S. Coast Guard Order.
Back in June 2021 the Coast Guard issued a Captain of the Port Order to Jones, ordering him to cease all commercial operations until the boat, known as “PWR TOWER,” was fully compliant with the applicable laws and regulations for carrying passengers for hire.
In August 2021 Jones “willfully and knowingly violated” the terms of that order by operating the 40’ boat on Lake St. Clair, while carrying passengers for hire, according to U.S. Attorney Dawn Ison’s office.
Authorities say Jones also had not complied with applicable Coast Guard licensing regulations and inspection requirements.
During that illegal voyage, the “PWR TOWER” caught fire with its passengers on board. The passengers were rescued and the “PWR TOWER” was towed to shore by the Coast Guard. No injuries were reported during the ordeal.
The investigation began in 2021 when someone submitted an anonymous tip to the Coast Guard that the “PWR TOWER” was running illegal charters, according to WDIV.
“The maritime laws and regulations are designed to ensure that the commercial operation of vessels on the waters of the United States is conducted safely. My office will continue to prosecute people like Jones, who knowingly and willfully violate the maritime laws and regulations and endanger the safety of others,” Ison said, per a press release.
Jones is set to be sentenced on Feb. 27, 2024. His crime carries a maximum punishment of six years in prison.