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new manslaughter charge has been filed against South Florida real estate mogul George Pino in connection with a 2022 boat crash that killed a teenager and left another girl permanently disabled. The additional charge comes on top of existing counts, including vessel homicide/operating in a reckless manner, operating without required safety gear, and operating an unregistered vessel.

    The new charge is based on testimony from the girls who survived the crash, according to court documents. Both manslaughter and vessel homicide charges carry a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. The boat crash occurred when Pino's 29-foot vessel collided with a channel marker near Boca Chita Key, killing 17-year-old Lucy Fernandez and severely injuring Katerina "Katy" Puig.

    Investigations found that the boat was carrying 61 empty alcoholic bottles and cans, as well as other liquor containers. However, officials initially said alcohol was not a factor in the crash. A separate controversy has emerged over deleted body camera footage from Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers involved in the case.

    Pino's attorney, Howard Srebnick, has disputed the new charge, calling it "duplicative" and "unwarranted." He claims that none of the passengers on the boat described Pino as operating the vessel negligently or recklessly. The existing charges will be pursued, with a focus on bringing clarity and justice to the case rather than fueling public misunderstanding.