A jury in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, has found Jason Lindemann, 53, guilty of fourteen counts related to a powerboat crash on the Fox River on July 9, 2022. The charges include two counts of Second Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety, eleven counts of Failing to Render Aid after a Boating Accident Resulting in Injury, and one count of Negligent Operation of a Boat.
"Protecting public safety is Wisconsin DOJ’s top priority, and today’s verdict holds the defendant accountable for his actions that caused injuries and endangered the safety of others," said Attorney General Kaul. "Thank you to those who have investigated, prosecuted, and provided victim services for this case."
Lindemann was operating his powerboat when it collided with the "On the Loos" paddlewheel cruise boat just before 10:00 p.m. The cruise boat was carrying 44 people and sustained significant damage. Despite pleas from passengers on the damaged boat and nearby witnesses, Lindemann did not stop to provide information or render aid. He later dropped injured passengers from his boat off nearby before driving into Lake Winnebago where he remained until the next morning. Law enforcement found Lindemann's boat abandoned at a marina on July 10, 2022.
Multiple witnesses reported seeing Lindemann consuming alcohol prior to the crash. He and his passengers were allegedly drinking at Dockside Tavern immediately before the incident. GPS data from Lindemann's boat indicated it traveled under Oregon Street Bridge and accelerated rapidly, reaching a top speed of 46 miles per hour at impact.
Several passengers from the "On the Loos" boat were injured as a result of the collision.
A sentencing hearing is scheduled for August 22, 2024.
The Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office led this investigation with assistance from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. AAGs Tara Jenswold and Emily Thompson along with Paralegal Jackie Righter from the Criminal Litigation Unit of the Wisconsin DOJ Division of Legal Services handled prosecution efforts. The Winnebago County District Attorney’s Office provided victim services.