(Spirit Lake)– A Sioux Falls man has pleaded not guilty to charges filed against him in a fatal hit-and-run boat crash this past summer on West Lake Okoboji and waived his right to a speedy trial.
Arraignment for 29-year-old Justin Nearman was held this (Monday) morning in Dickinson County District Court. The pleas were entered in writing. A February 7th trial date was set.
Nearman was originally charged with operating a boat while intoxicated resulting in death…a class “B” felony; and operating a boat while intoxicated resulting in serious injury…a class “D” felony. He could face up the 30 years in prison if convicted on both charges.
An additional charge of failing to offer assistance was filed against Nearman late last month.
Nearman was allegedly operating a boat on August 12th of this year that collided with another vessel, killing 51-year-old Michael Brosnahan of Perry. Brosnahan’s wife, Jill, was seriously injured.
