A Brunswick man today pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of criminal trespass in return for probation and more than $18,000 in restitution for damaging the River Queen on March 11.
William Tyler Cole, 26, will pay $18,066.80 in restitution and a $500 fine on Monday as part of the negotiated plea-sentence which includes 24 months of administrative probation, defense attorney Steven Sparger said. Because probation is administrative, Cole can conduct his probation by mail, Sparger said.
Cole, who has remained in the Chatham County jail since March 11, was scheduled to be released today, Sparger said.
He will then report to probation on Monday, then go to St. Simons by the Sea to be sure he is stabilized before being allowed to return with his parents to his home in Colechester, Vt., Sparger said.
Part of the plea accepted by Superior Court Judge Albert Rahn III of Reidsville, sitting in Chatham County Superior Court, was for prosecutors to reduce the original charge of criminal damage. Cole also pleaded guilty to a charge of disorderly conduct in the case.
Cole damaged equipment in the boat’s wheelhouse while it was docked along Rousakis Plaza, Savannah-Chatham police said.
Passing cab driver Tim Irish heard a commotion along Rousakis Plaza early March 11. As he swung a flashlight around the area, he saw a shirtless man yelling atop the uppermost deck of a boat.
Cole broke an antenna, damaged other communications equipment and threw a trash can from the River Queen, witnesses said.
He told officers "the boat had angered him because of the way it was looking at him."
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Brunswick man pleads guilty to damaging River Queen, will pay restitution
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