OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — A judge Monday denied a request to overturn the preliminary hearing decision ordering Jason Lindemann to stand trial for a boating crash on the Fox River.
Lindemann previously pleaded not guilty to 21 charges, including two felony counts of second-degree recklessly endangering safety for the July 9 collision. Multiple people were injured in the collision.
For the bindover review, defense attorney Scott Ceman argued the evidence does not rise to the level of a felony, while Asst. Attorney General Emily Thompson noted all that’s required is a plausible reading of the evidence in a light most favorable to the state.
Winnebago County Judge Michael Gibbs denied the defense motion and kept the charges in place.
No trial date has been set. Lindemann returns to court May 15 for a final pre-trial conference.
Also Monday, Judge Gibbs removed Lindemann from 24/7 monitoring program, but also ordered him not to operate a motor boat while the case proceeds.
According to the criminal complaint, Lindemann was driving his powerboat on the Fox River when it collided with the “On the Loos” paddlewheel cruise boat just before 10 p.m. The paddleboat, carrying 44 people, suffered significant damage. Despite pleas from passengers on the damaged boat and nearby witnesses, Lindemann allegedly did not stop and render aid.
After dropping injured passengers from his boat off nearby, Lindemann drove his boat onto Lake Winnebago, where he and the boat remained until the next morning. Law enforcement found Lindemann’s boat abandoned at a nearby marina the next day.
The owner of “On the Loos” told police “he had a clear view of the striking boat as it approached his boat. (The victim) said he saw the front end of the striking boat go up as it picked up speed and headed directly towards the On the Loos in a head-on fashion. (The victim) stated he was not able to get out of the way but honked his horn. The striking boat veered to its right and struck the paddleboat on the lower deck area,” the complaint states.
One victim told police he “heard the operator of the striking boat yell “I’m so (expletive), I’m so (expletive)” until the boat sped away with its lights off,” the complaint states.
When police discovered Lindemann’s boat, there appeared to be dried blood inside the boat and a bird decoration which had been on the “On The Loos.”
One witness on Lindemann’s boat said Lindemann had been drinking beers while on the boat. After the crash, Lindemann ignored pleas to help those on the other boat, she said.
The victims described a variety of injuries, including back pain, cuts, bruises, leg and neck injuries.
The complaint offered no comments from Lindemann.
