NOT THE SHARPEST KNIFE IN THE DRAWER: Drunken Sailor
CA RV dealer Rick Ehlert took to the high seas aboard The Holland America ocean liner MS Ryndam when he went on vacation last November. During the trip, he drank himself silly and did something stupid (or is it the other way around?): He broke into a control room on the ship – which was moving - and dropped the anchor. He was charged with the federal crimes (18 U.S.C. § 2291 - Destruction of vessel or maritime facility and 18 U.S.C. § 2280 - Violence against maritime navigation), the Tampa Tribune reports:
[His lawyer Daniel L. Castillo] says the charges — part of federal anti-terrorism legislation — carry a maximum possible prison term of 20 years, although prosecutors have told him they expect sentencing guidelines to call for probation. …
Authorities said releasing an anchor on a moving cruise ship could damage the rudder and propeller, affecting maneuverability. It could puncture the ship, causing it to flood or sink.
Castillo admits his client is "guilty of felony stupidity, but I don't think it should be a federal crime." In the motion to dismiss Castillo writes: "An alcohol-induced reckless act does not necessarily equate to a violation of federal criminal statutes.”
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