Former California dive boat captain indicted on misconduct charge in connection with fire that killed 34 people
A former California diving captain was indicted in connection with the fatal California shipwreck that left 34 people dead, including his wife.
Prosecutors alleged that captain Stephen Scholz of San Clemente intentionally set the fire that destroyed the bulk carrier in 2008 and that he helped with the cover-up.
They said Scholz intentionally set fire to the vessel and then set it ablaze to cover up his role and evidence from the fire was destroyed.
It is one of two indictments of Scholz that have been unsealed by prosecutors in Los Angeles County.
In a statement, the owner of the Santa Barbara Ship Channel, Scott Brownfield, said he had been informed of the charges against Scholz on Sunday.
“We have received legal charges in connection with the investigation of the ship wreck where approximately 34 persons died. We will be assisting the government in their investigation,” Brownfield said.
U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California Brian Stretch said investigators found evidence that supported the case.
“The indictment alleges that defendants Scholz and his family helped with the cover-up by intentionally setting the fire to the fire boat, the Santa Barbara,” Stretch said. “It now appears that the federal investigation into the ship wreck and deaths involving the Scholz family is proceeding with a renewed sense of urgency.”
The ship’s owner, Scott Brownfield, told media he had been informed of the charges against Scholz.
“We have received legal charges in connection with the investigation of the ship wreck where approximately 34 persons died,” Brownfield said. “We will be assisting the government in their investigation.”
The U.S. Department of Justice, however, has said there is no legal obligation to report to the federal government information about U.S. citizens who are facing charges.
The ship’s owner, Scott Brownfield, told media he had been informed of the charges against Scholz.
“We have received legal charges in connection with the investigation of the ship wreck where approximately 34 persons died,” Brownfield said. “We will be assisting the government in their investigation.