BROOKLYN---For the first time ever, a person has been indicted in New York City for manslaughter in relation to a boating incident.

Aristotle Plagianakos, 17, of National Drive in Mill Basin was indicted for the death of Paul Zaccaria during a boating incident last year. Plagianakos is charged with second degree manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, second degree reckless endangerment and several Naval Law violations related to reckless operation of a vessel. If convicted, he faces a maximum of 15 years in prison.

According to the indictment, on June 30, 2006, the Plagianokos was riding his personalized watercraft vehicle, commonly called a Jet Ski, with a passenger in the Mill Basin inlet. They were allegedly traveling at a high speed when they struck Zaccaria, knocking him from the craft and killing him. Plagianakos and his passenger then fled the scene. Zaccaria's body was not found until Aug. 6, over a month after the accident.

There were several eyewitnesses to the incident. Plagianakos was arrested on Aug. 31.   3-26-07

© 2007 North Country Gazette