A 32-year-old Pasco County man was sentenced to five years of probation on March 20 for the boating death of a woman in 2024.
The sentence was a downward departure from state guidelines. Prosecutors said they went this route due to issues with the case.
Circuit Judge Steven Rogers presided over the hearing where Tydell Janard Smith pleaded guilty to boating under the influence/manslaughter. Smith’s attorney was Shane Bachman, filling in for defense lawyer Jack Maro.
As part of the deal, Smith must complete a substance abuse program, submit to random alcohol screenings at his own expense, abstain from alcohol, have no contact with the victim’s family, and pay restitution of $47,800.
Smith has nine days of credit for time already served in jail.
The incident
Smith was arrested on March 3, 2025 on charges of BUI manslaughter, and violation of navigation rules/resulting in a boating accident causing serious bodily injury or death. He was released two days later after posting a $26,000 bond, records show. The second charge was later dropped by prosecutors.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers who investigated the incident said the death occurred about 1:40 p.m. on July 21, 2024, on the Ocklawaha River in Marion County.
According to the agency’s report, Smith admitted to operating the boat when Wendy Mooney fell overboard and into the water. Mooney was hit by a propeller and died from her injuries, authorities said.
The report states Mooney was bow-riding on the front of a rented pontoon with two other people. Law officers were told that Mooney’s feet were dangling in the water and it caused her to fall in.
The Wesley Chapel woman was 50, officials said.
Smith, who told authorities he had been drinking, had a blood-alcohol content reading of 0.149 and 0.148, which is nearly two times over the state’s legal limit of 0.08, officials said.
Court
In court, family and friends of the deceased appeared by Zoom during the hearing.
A woman who spoke said there was no remorse or apology from Smith.
The judge told the victim’s family and friends that Smith pleaded guilty. He warned Smith that if he violates the terms of his agreement, then he’s facing 10 years in prison even though he doesn’t have a criminal record.
Contact Austin L. Miller at austin.miller@starbanner.com
This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Ocala courts: Man accused of 2024 boating death sentenced
Reporting by Austin L. Miller, Ocala Star-Banner / Ocala Star-Banner
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
