U.S. Coast Guard Photo
A boat owner from Sterling Heights, Michigan, has been sentenced to one year in federal prison for conducting illegal charter operations on the Chicago River and Lake Michigan.
Christopher Mike Garbowski used a 40-foot powerboat known as “Sea Hawk” or “Anchorman” to conduct the illegal commercial charter operation in various locations, including the popular boating area known as “the Playpen” in downtown Chicago.
Between 2017 and 2019, Garbowski charged fees to groups of passengers, such as bachelorette parties, despite lacking the necessary boating credentials and certification from the U.S. Coast Guard for his vessel. Despite being warned multiple times by the Coast Guard about federal regulations, Garbowski continued his illicit activities.
One incident occurred on August 19, 2017, at Monroe Harbor in Chicago, when Coast Guard personnel boarded Garbowski’s boat before he was about to depart on a five-hour charter with eight female passengers. In an attempt to deceive the authorities, Garbowski contacted one of the passengers and instructed her to lie to the Coast Guard by pretending to be a friend. He also repeatedly denied, both verbally and in writing, operating a commercial charter service when questioned by Coast Guard officials.
Garbowski pleaded guilty to a felony charge of violating an order of the Captain of the Port earlier this year. U.S. District Judge Thomas M. Durkin presided over the case and imposed the sentence of one year and a day following a hearing in federal court in Chicago.
The sentencing announcement was made by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Neal R. Marzloff, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Coast Guard Investigative Service, Central Field Office.
“The Coast Guard regulations are designed to ensure the safety of passengers, crew members, and other vessels and individuals in the waterways,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Pasqual. “Our office will continue to hold accountable those who knowingly violate maritime laws and regulations.”
SAC Marzloff highlighted Garbowski’s blatant disregard for Coast Guard authority and federal regulations. “Mr. Garbowski’s actions demonstrated consistent disregard for Coast Guard authority and federal regulations concerning passenger vessel safety, putting his unsuspecting, and paying, customers at risk,” said Marzloff.
This case serves as a reminder that authorities remain vigilant in ensuring compliance with maritime laws and regulations, to protect the well-being of individuals navigating the waterways.
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