Jason Lindemann sentenced to five months in prison for boating accident in 2022

OSHKOSH (NBC 26) – Jason Lindemann was sentenced today to five months of suspended prison time for his role in a high-profile boating accident on the Fox River in July 2022 that injured several people.

Lindemann was found guilty on multiple counts in June and addressed the victims for the first time in court on Thursday. His charges include two counts of second-degree reckless endangerment and 11 misdemeanor counts of failure to render aid after the accident.

At the verdict, Lindemann expressed his remorse and publicly apologized to all the victims, including those on his own boat and the 44 people on board the paddle steamer Loos Cruise. The paddle steamer's captain, Jeff Loos, was one of those who spoke in court.

“I am here to express my sincere apology and to ask the court for understanding and mercy,” Lindemann said. “I am ready to accept the consequences of my actions.”

However, Jeff Loos emphasized the consequences of the crash, stating: “No matter what happens, he will not suffer. He still has all his income and I have no boat, no business, no income.”

Before announcing the verdict, the judge stressed the importance of setting an example for the community. He explained that the five-month prison sentence was a punishment for Lindemann and a sign that such crimes would be punished with a prison sentence.

In addition to the prison sentence, Lindemann received three years' probation. Several victims are demanding $600,000 in restitution. The hearing is scheduled for January 22 at 1:00 p.m. Several civil lawsuits related to the incident are also pending.