David K. Bachtel, Vessel Destruction or Misuse, California 2007

Marina Del Rey, CA – David K. Bachtel, 62, was convicted in August 2007 of multiple federal crimes related to the deliberate sinking of a 37-foot Chris Craft vessel in a California marina. The case, investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and prosecuted by the Department of Justice, revealed a calculated attempt to illegally dispose of the boat while actively concealing his involvement.

According to court documents, Bachtel acquired a 40-foot houseboat and, facing limitations on marina space, decided to dispose of his existing Chris Craft. Rather than legally transferring ownership or responsibly decommissioning the vessel, Bachtel and an accomplice intentionally breached the hull of the Chris Craft, creating numerous holes. They then used a small inflatable boat to tow the damaged vessel to a slip channel, where it was scuttled – deliberately sunk – to remain submerged.

The subsequent recovery of the sunken vessel uncovered further criminal activity. Investigators discovered that the boat’s hull identification numbers, known as CR numbers, had been removed, a clear attempt to obscure the vessel’s ownership and history. However, documentation linking Bachtel as the owner was recovered from the vessel itself, directly connecting him to the incident. This act of concealing the boat’s identification was a key element in the obstruction of justice charge.

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Legal Violations & Penalties

Bachtel was initially indicted on nine counts in September 2005. He was ultimately convicted on eight of those counts, including violations of the Clean Water Act, obstruction of justice, and the Rivers and Harbors Act. Specifically, the charges included:

18 U.S.C. 1001: Making False Statements – Providing false information to federal investigators.
18 U.S.C. 1519: Obstruction of Justice – Tampering with evidence and hindering the investigation.
18 U.S.C. 2274: Destruction or misuse of vessel by person in charge – Intentionally damaging and sinking the vessel.
33 U.S.C. 1311(a): Clean Water Act – Violating effluent limitations, relating to pollutants discharged into navigable waters.
33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(1)(A): Clean Water Act – Negligent violations of the Clean Water Act.
33 U.S.C. 1321(b)(3): Clean Water Act – Discharge of oil or hazardous substance.
33 U.S.C. 409: Rivers and Harbors Act – Obstructing navigable waters by a sunken vessel.

Despite the severity of the crimes, Bachtel received a relatively lenient sentence of 72 months probation and a $500 special assessment fee. No fines were imposed. Bachtel subsequently appealed the conviction, but the appeal was unsuccessful, upholding the original verdict.

Key Facts

Defendant: David K. Bachtel
Location: Marina Del Rey, California
Vessel: 37-foot Chris Craft
Method: Intentional hull breach and scuttling
Evidence Tampering: Removal of hull identification numbers
Sentence: 72 months probation, $500 assessment

The EPA routinely investigates and prosecutes cases involving illegal vessel disposal to protect the nation’s waterways and ensure compliance with environmental regulations. This case serves as a reminder that attempts to circumvent these regulations will be met with federal prosecution, regardless of the perceived convenience or cost savings.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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