Man Pleads Guilty to Illegal Charter Cruise Scheme, Faces Prison & Fine
A 66-year-old man in Galveston, Texas has pleaded guilty to operating an illegal charter cruise business. Gordon Johnson admitted to running the MV SPANISH PRINCESS without complying with an order from the highest-ranking U.S. Coast Guard officer in the Houston-Galveston area. This case highlights the importance of ensuring mariners are fully qualified to safely operate passenger vessels.
Johnson reportedly lied to authorities, falsely claiming that he had passengers who paid to be on his ship. He then instructed them, including a police officer, to inform officials that they had not paid. The Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS) expressed its commitment to partnering with law enforcement agencies to identify and stop those who pose a hazard to the boating public.
In addition to the illegal charter cruise scheme, Johnson also engaged in another fraudulent activity. He accepted $20,000 from a couple for a trip that never took place. The couple intended to be transported on the MV SPANISH PRINCESS to Honduras, where they planned to live. Unfortunately, the trip never materialized, and Johnson only refunded $1,000 of their money.
U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Brown has accepted Johnson’s guilty plea. Sentencing is scheduled for November 1, 2023, and Johnson will remain on bond until that date. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a possible fine of $250,000. Additionally, he may be required to forfeit the MV SPANISH PRINCESS.
This case serves as a reminder that operating an illegal charter cruise business has serious consequences. The U.S. Coast Guard and other law enforcement agencies are dedicated to ensuring the safety of the boating public and prosecuting those who disregard regulations.
