Boat Operator in Fatal Hudson River Crash Pleads Not Guilty

Editor's note: Patch Editor Robin Traum filed this report from the Rockland County Courthouse.

Jojo John, 35, of Nyack pleaded not guilty on the felony charges stemming from the boat crash that killed two people July 26 during his arraignment at the Rockland County Courthouse Wednesday morning.

John faces an 18-count indictment that was handed down earlier this month. He was charged with being drunk while piloting the 19-foot speed boat as it crashed into a construction barge near the Tappan Zee bridge. Lindsey Stewart of Piermont and Mark Lennon of Pearl River were killed and the other four people in the boat, including John, were injured.

Stewart was set to marry Brian Bond, a Pearl River resident and a teacher at the Mamaroneck Avenue School in White Plains, on Aug. 10.

Bail was set for John at $50,000 bond or $25,000 cash. He is due back in court Jan. 3 for a determination of readiness. The attorneys in the case will make motions Jan. 10. 

According to Rockland County District Attorney Thomas Zugibe, John tested with a blood-alcohol level of 0.15 percent and had traces of cocaine in his system. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.08 percent. 

A large number of family members crowded into the courtroom. Check back with Patch for further details.