Danielle R. Sassoon, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that Richard Cruz has been sentenced to 18 months in prison. Cruz was responsible for a tragic incident in July 2022 when his vessel, Stimulus Money, capsized in the Hudson River, resulting in the deaths of a seven-year-old boy and a 48-year-old woman. U.S. District Judge Katherine Polk Failla handed down the sentence after Cruz pled guilty to misconduct and neglect as a ship officer leading to death.
U.S. Attorney Danielle R. Sassoon stated: “Today, Richard Cruz has been held accountable for his misconduct and negligent actions that caused the tragic deaths of a young boy and a woman when Cruz’s vessel capsized in the Hudson River. This prosecution should send a message to all captains and operators of commercial vessels that there will be consequences when they fail to follow the federal regulations and safety protocols that exist to keep passengers safe.”
The incident occurred on July 12, 2022, at approximately 2:40 p.m., when Stimulus Money capsized with 13 people onboard. The vessel exceeded its maximum capacity and was operated without necessary United States Coast Guard (USCG) credentials or certifications required for carrying paying customers.
Cruz's actions included operating at high speed despite hazardous conditions warnings and lacking valid USCG certification for passenger operations. As a result of these actions, all aboard were thrown into the river during the capsizing event.
Emergency responders from New York City Police Department’s Harbor Unit, New York City Fire Department’s Dive Rescue Team, and nearby ferries arrived quickly on scene. While most passengers were rescued alive with varying injuries, Victim-1 and Victim-2 were found trapped under the vessel by FDNY divers approximately 25 minutes later but could not be revived.
In addition to his prison sentence, Cruz is ordered to pay $50,000 in restitution for funeral expenses related to the victims' families.
Ms. Sassoon commended both USCG Investigative Service agents and NYPD detectives involved in this case handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey W. Coyle from their General Crimes Unit.
