OSHKOSH (NBC 26) — Jason Lindemann was sentenced to five months of conditional jail time today for his role in a high-profile boat crash on the Fox River in July 2022 that left several people injured.
Lindemann was convicted in June on multiple charges, and in court on Thursday addressed the victims for the first time. His charges included two felony counts of second-degree recklessly endangering safety and 11 misdemeanors for failing to provide aid after the crash.
At the sentencing, Lindemann expressed remorse, offering a public apology to all the victims, including those on his own boat and the 44 people aboard the Loos Cruise Paddleboat. The paddleboat's captain, Jeff Loos, was among those who addressed the court.
“I’m here to offer my sincere apologies and to ask for the court’s understanding and mercy,” Lindemann stated. “I am prepared to accept the consequences of my actions.”
However, Jeff Loos, highlighted the consequences of the crash, stating, “No matter what, he's not going to suffer. He still has all of his income, and I have no boat, no business, no income.”
Before delivering the sentence, the judge stated the importance of setting an example for the community. The judge stated that the five-month sentence was meant to punish Lindemann while also sending a message that such crimes would result in jail time.
In addition to the jail sentence, Lindemann received three years of probation. Several victims are seeking $600,000 in restitution, with a hearing scheduled for January 22 at 1:00 p.m. Multiple civil lawsuits related to the incident are also pending.
