Linda O’Leary, the wife of “Shark Tank” star Kevin O’Leary, may face prison time in that fatal boat crash in which two people were killed.
According to Ontario Provincial Police’s media relations coordinator Carolle Dionne, Linda O’Leary is charged with careless operation of a vessel. The charge can bring with it the maximum penalty of 18 months or a $1 million fine.
Kevin O'Leary's wife charged in connection with boat crash that killed 2 people in Ontario's cottage country in late August. Linda O'Leary charged under Canada Shipping Act with careless operation of a vessel. Previous story: https://t.co/jdqLBAbgPr
— CBC News Alerts (@CBCAlerts) September 24, 2019
O’Leary’s lawyer, Brian Greenspan, says the charge is “unwarranted” and that the fine should instead be $10,000.
“She has always been a cautious and experienced boater who came into collision with an unlit craft on a dark and moonless night. The other boat was sitting in a dark spot on a lake, no cottage lights nearby, no moon,” Greenspan said in a story by the Los Angeles Times.
“They are absolutely wrong. That applies to ocean going vessels. The pleasure craft provision is a maximum $10,000 fine,” Greenspan continued.
Kevin O’Leary’s wife charged in last month’s fatal boat crash in Muskoka area
Linda O’Leary, 56, of Toronto, has been charged with careless operation of a vessel that left two people dead and three others injured. https://t.co/XEDfm7YGko— WR Record (@WR_Record) September 24, 2019
The fatal accident took place Saturday, Aug. 24 on Lake Joseph in Ontario. Reports say the vessel O’Leary was operating was moving at about 17 mph when it struck the larger, 13-person vessel around 11:30 p.m.
Gary Poltash, 64, died in the crash, while Susanne Brito, 48, died later.
The driver of the larger vessel, Richard Ruh, 57, was charged with failure to exhibit a navigation light.
“My heartfelt prayers and condolences to the victims, the families and those affected by this loss,” Kevin O’Leary said soon after the crash.
