Pontoon boat driver charged in 2016 death of 9-year-old boy

After last week's charges brought against the rental company owner, the operator of the rented pontoon boat involved in the fatal boating accident in Sinepuxent Bay last summer has now been charged as well.

Dustin Daniel Healey, 26, of Freehold, N.J. was issued a criminal summons on Friday after a Worcester County District Court Commissioner found probably cause to charge him, Maryland Natural Resources Police said.

He is charged with negligent operation.

Healey was operating the rented boat on August 17th at the time when 9-year-old Kadin Frederick fell off the bow and was fatally struck by the engine's propeller, officials said.

Investigators say Healey knew passengers were sitting on the bow, an illegal activity in Maryland, but did not realize Kadin had fallen off until other passengers began screaming.

Officials say Healey's preliminary hearing is scheduled for February 15th. A first offense could warrant a penalty of up to $500.