An Elizabeth man was sentenced to 18 months in prison in connection to the deaths of a 7-year-old boy and his 48-year-old aunt in a July 2002 incident on the Hudson River.

Richard Cruz pleaded guilty to misconduct and neglect of a ship officer resulting in death.

It was July 12, 2022, when Cruz was piloting a motorboat called “Stimulus Money.” The boat capsized during the outing, killing the boy and woman. Officials say Cruz conducted boat tours, despite not having the required United States Coast Guard credentials and certifications to do so.

Officials say there were 13 on board the boat at the time, exceeding the vessel’s maximum capacity. They also say Cruz was driving too fast, despite an advisory for hazardous water conditions that day.

“Today, Richard Cruz has been held accountable for his misconduct and negligent actions that caused the tragic deaths of a young boy and a woman when Cruz’s vessel capsized in the Hudson River,” U.S. Attorney Danielle Sassoon wrote in a statement. “This prosecution should send a message to all captains and operators of commercial vessels that there will be consequences when they fail to follow the federal regulations and safety protocols that exist to keep passengers safe.”

Cruz has also been ordered to pay $50,000 in restitution for the funeral expenses of the victims.