Southbury Man Pleads Guilty In Boat Sinking Scheme: U.S. Attorney

SOUTHBURY, CT — A Southbury man and two others pleaded guilty in federal court this week in connection with a boat sinking scheme, according to United States Attorney John H. Durham.

Pleading guilty to a federal charge related to scuttling were John Magness, 71, of Southbury; Peter Albrecht, 70, of Norwalk; and Carlos Santos, 60, of Westbrook. Prosecutors said the scheme of sinking, or scuttling, involved sinking several sailboats and motorboats in the waters between the Black Rock Harbor and Fairfield's Pennfield Reef Lighthouse in Long Island Sound.

According to court documents and statements, Magness was the owner of Bluefish Cove Marina in Bridgeport.

"While preparing to sell the property in 2018, Magness and Albrecht, who worked at the marina, engaged Santos to sink several abandoned vessels in Long Island Sound without a permit," Durham said in a release.

As a result, Magness agreed to forgive Santos’ unpaid dockage fees in exchange for his help sinking the vessels, according to Durham.

Investigators determined that at least five vessels were scuttled at Magness’ request between October 2018 and April 2019.

The three defendants each pleaded guilty to one count of obstruction of navigable waters by sinking a vessel, an offense that carries a maximum prison term of one year and a fine of up to $100,000. All three are free on bond pending sentencing.

This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren C. Clark.