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Press Release

Toledo Man Charged with Sinking Vessel and Disposing Garbage in the Maumee River

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of Ohio

Acting U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Brennan announced that a federal grand jury returned a four-count indictment charging Wayne Robert Banks, Jr., 48, of Toledo, Ohio, with the destruction of a vessel, deposit of refuse in navigable waters, obstruction of navigable waters and failure to mark or light a sunken vessel.

According to the indictment, on October 29, 2020, the Defendant willfully sunk and destroyed a  24’ Reinell boat within navigable channels of the Maumee River.  The indictment further charges that the Defendant failed to immediately mark the sunken craft with a buoy, beacon or light.  The Defendant is also accused of disposing of refuse materials, including bottles, electronic equipment, batteries, cardboard and other garbage in the Maumee River.

If convicted, a defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the Defendant’s prior criminal records, if any, the Defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation.  In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum, and in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

This investigation was conducted by the Coast Guard Investigative Service under the direction of Resident Agent in Charge Edward L. Songer, Detroit, Michigan.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jody L. King.

 

Contact

Daniel Ball Daniel.Ball@usdoj.gov

Updated March 5, 2024

Topic
Environment