Search for a News Release


Press/Media inquiries: PIO@dnr.iowa.gov


DNR News Releases

Pleasant Valley man charged in fatal LeClaire Boat Crash

  • 5/5/2021 7:43:00 AM
  • View Count 2999
  • Return
LeClaire Fatal Boat Crash Victims Pic

LeClaire, IOWA -- DNR Conservation Officers charged James Thiel, 44, of Pleasant Valley, with Involuntary Manslaughter and Reckless Use of a Watercraft among other charges relating to the August 16, 2020 fatal boat crash on the Mississippi River that killed Anita Pinc, 52, of Moline, IL, and Craig Verbeke, 61, of Moline, IL (RIGHT: photo of victims).

Thiel turned himself in this morning and was charged with two counts of Involuntary Manslaughter, a Class D Felony, two counts of Involuntary Manslaughter – Aggravated Misdemeanor, one count of Reckless Use of a Watercraft and one count of Operation of an Unregistered Watercraft.

Note: As with any criminal case, a charge is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

Previous press releases:

https://www.iowadnr.gov/About-DNR/DNR-News-Releases/ArticleID/3155/Second-person-dies-in-boat-crash-on-Mississippi-River

https://www.iowadnr.gov/About-DNR/DNR-News-Releases/ArticleID/3143/Public%E2%80%99s-assistance-needed-in-boat-crash-on-Mississippi-River

Share