Rochester Man Arrested, Charged With Destroying And Sinking A Vessel

BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Vyacheslav S. Migitskiy, 33, a Ukrainian national living in Rochester, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with destruction of a vessel, making a false statement, and sinking of a vessel in a navigable channel. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on August 26, 2022, the U.S. Coast Guard received a report from a local mariner of a partially submerged vessel, a 1987 25’ Bayliner, approximately a half mile offshore east of Little Pond in Rochester. A Coast Guard small boat responded to the area and an active search and rescue mission began. It was determined that no individuals were on vessel. It was also determined that the propellers and boat plug were missing, and all electronics were removed from the vessel. The total estimated loss of the United States Coast Guard’s search and rescue efforts was $14,194, and the New York State Police rescue helicopter cost recovery was $1,248.00.

Subsequent investigation traced the vessel to Migitskiy, who claimed that he had given the vessel to unknown individuals two weeks prior. According to the complaint, a witness, and a review of surveillance video show Migitskiy placing the vessel in the water, and then using a different boat that he owned to tow the vessel out into the lake, where it was later discovered.

Migitskiy made an initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark W. Pedersen and was released on conditions.

The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Coast Guard Investigative Service, under the direction of Joshua Packer, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge, Central Region, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Brian Ratajczak, and the Gates Police Department, under the direction of Chief Robert Long, the Rochester Fire Department, under the direction of Chief Stefano Napolitano, the Irondequoit Police Department, under the direction of Chief Scott Peters, and the Greece Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Wood.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.  

# # # #