Government

Dwyer Charged in August Boat Accident

Charges were filed in the August boat accident on the Magothy River involving state Delegate Don Dwyer in Anne Arundel County.

By Susan Jenkins
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December 20, 2012

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Del. Don Dwyer addresses the media following his involvement in a boat crash Wednesday in Anne Arundel County.

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Del. Don Dwyer addresses the media following his involvement in a boat crash Wednesday in Anne Arundel County.

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UPDATE (4:15 p.m.)—Two people, including Delegate Don Dwyer (R-Pasadena), will face charges in the Aug. 22 boat accident on the Magothy River, according to the Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP).

The day after the incident, Dwyer admitted to drinking on the night of the boat crash that injured seven people—including children. NRP charged Dwyer with operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol, which requires him to appear in court and carries a maximum penalty of $1,000 fine and/or one year in prison for the first offense.

NRP said in a press release both operators "contributed to the accident when neither operator adjusted speed nor took the necessary action with ample time to avoid a collision."

Despite a report that said Dwyer's blood alcohol content was 0.2, NRP had to wait for confirmation from the blood analysis kit and conduct a thorough investigation. NRP said Dwyer’s official blood alcohol content was 0.24—three times the limit of 0.08.

Dwyer, 54, was charged with:

Operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol
Rules of the Road violation (fine of $85)
Failure to obtain annual certificate of number (fine of $85)
Negligent operation of a vessel (fine of $320)
Reckless operation of a vessel (fine of $450)

Also charged in the incident was Mark Harbin, 52, of Pasadena. He was charged with:

Rules of the Road violation (fine of $85)
Failure to obtain annual certificate of number (fine of $85)
Negligent operation of a vessel (fine of $320)

NRP said charges were placed after an investigation was reviewed by the Howard County State’s Attorney’s Office.

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Mark Patro

6:53 pm on Thursday, December 20, 2012

sign the petition
http://www.change.org/petitions/michael-e-busch-remove-delegate-don-dwyer-for-driving-a-boat-while-intoxicated

Amy Leahy

11:52 am on Sunday, December 23, 2012

This is why we have elections, Mark. If his constituents don't want him representing them, they can vote him out.

Mark Patro

7:46 am on Friday, December 28, 2012

Amy, did you read this ballot question when you voted this past November: Question 3
Constitutional Amendment (Ch. 147 of the 2012 Legislative Session)
Suspension and Removal of Elected Officials

(Amending Article XV, Section 2 of the Maryland Constitution)

Changes the point at which an elected official charged with certain crimes is automatically suspended or removed from office. Under existing law, an elected official who is convicted or pleads no contest is suspended and is removed only when the conviction becomes final. Under the amended law, an elected official is suspended when found guilty and is removed when the conviction becomes final or when the elected official pleads guilty or no contest.

just in case you missed it, it passed

Chris W

6:46 am on Friday, December 21, 2012

Aka- petition to get back a Dwyer for daring to oppose SSM.

Mark Patro

9:24 am on Friday, December 21, 2012

he should be more responsible if he wants to hold a position of public trust. People got injured for this "alleged" act of recklessness.

Chris W

9:57 am on Friday, December 21, 2012

Yes, all politicians should be held to a higher standard. I just have a problem in the people's republic of Maryland where only Republicans are held to the higher standard.

Mark Patro

10:35 am on Friday, December 21, 2012

Maybe you should consider this list:
Del. Tiffany Alston's – Democrat
Senator Ulysses Currie – Democrat
Marvin Mandel– Democrat
Major Sheila Dixon– Democrat
or maybe you should move to another state...

Amy Leahy

12:17 pm on Thursday, January 3, 2013

Mark, then why your petition? Let the legal system "take care of it".

Robert McCullough

9:19 am on Friday, December 21, 2012

And the little girl that aas seriously injured?

Steve

7:00 pm on Friday, December 21, 2012

His Man Pal that was with him is a cop. Why'd he let him get so drunk and drive?

Dena

1:37 pm on Sunday, December 23, 2012

Steve - that is what I would like to know. that guy was drunk too and when he got to shore, he ran and hid instead of helping out the children. sickening ;(

number9dream

9:00 pm on Friday, December 21, 2012

@Mark Patro

How many signatures did you gather to have the politicians you listed removed from office?

nancy j

8:15 am on Sunday, December 23, 2012

The little girl that was injured is still dealing with the fallout of her "moderate brain injury with cmplicatons" as is her family, thank you for asking Robert. Also, thanks Steve for reminding that his pal was a cop....a cop that ran and hid!! Absolutely disgusting ... while Dwyer asks for forgiveness from "his constituents"! What about from our family?

Corey

7:35 am on Wednesday, December 26, 2012

He'll stay in office with a minor slap on the hand till he's 70. That's our government!

Tee Vee

12:15 pm on Thursday, December 27, 2012

I agree, he broke the law, was extremely negligent, and he should be removed from office. Someone could have been killed and children suffered. How many times did it happen before (drunk boating) where he didn't get caught? If politicians have to resign because of having an affair...this goes way beyond that...get him out!