Final Accused Coast Guardsman Enters Plea

Posted on March 30, 2011

A Coast Guard enlisted man pleaded guilty Tuesday to dereliction of duty in the 2009 crash in San Diego Bay that killed an 8-year-old Rancho Penasquitos boy.

In a military proceeding held at Camp Pendleton, Petty Officer 2nd Class Ian Howell was sentenced to be reduced in rank, restricted to base for a month, and have his pay reduced by two-thirds for a month. Charges of negligent homicide and assault were dropped.

PQ’s Anthony DeWeese was killed on Dec. 20, 2009 when the 33-foot Coast Guard vessel collided with a civilian boat.

Last week, Petty Officer 3rd Class Paul Ramos, 22, was sentenced to three months confinement, reduction in rank and a temporary pay reduction after being convicted by a court-martial jury of dereliction of duty. Ramos, who was driving the boat, was acquitted of involuntary manslaughter and other charges.