Memphis Man Charged with Violating U.S. Coast Guard Boating Order

Memphis, TN - Marico Washington, 55, of Memphis, has been charged with operating a boat for commercial gain in violation of a Captain of the Port Order. United States Attorney, D. Michael Dunavant, announced the charges today.

According to an indictment returned by a federal grand jury earlier this month, a Captain of the Port Order was hand-delivered to Washington on September 16, 2023. The order directed Washington "to cease all commercial operations until he was fully compliant with applicable laws for carrying passengers for hire."

The indictment alleges that on September 27, 2025, Washington violated the terms of the order by operating his boat, "Bottoms Up", on the Mississippi River while carrying commercial passengers for hire without possessing the appropriate license required by Coast Guard regulations. The indictment also alleges that Washington made two false statements to the Coast Guard Investigative Service.

The maximum penalty for violating the Captain of the Port Order is six years' imprisonment. The maximum penalty for making false statements is five years' imprisonment. Each count carries a maximum fine of $250,000, a supervised release period of up to three years, and a $100 mandatory assessment fee.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "We are a full-service office and will charge all violations of federal law wherever they occur in the Western District of Tennessee to promote public safety and uphold the rule of law. We are proud to partner with the CGIS and MPD and commend their outstanding investigation in this case."

"This case demonstrates our commitment to working with law enforcement partners to enforce safety regulations and pursue illegal charter operators who put the public at risk," said Capt. Daniel Kilcullen, Sector Commander of U.S. Coast Guard Sector Lower Mississippi River. "We will continue to collaborate with federal, state, and local officials and take decisive action to stop this type of illegal operation on the Mississippi River and protect the public from unsafe and unlawful practices."

"This investigation reflects the strength of our law-enforcement partnerships, and our shared commitment to public safety on our nation's waterways. CGIS is proud to work alongside USCG Sector Lower Mississippi, Memphis Police Department Harbor patrol unit and the United States Attorney's Office to ensure individuals who knowingly violate federal maritime laws are held accountable," said Special Agent in Charge Damon J. Youmans, U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service.

Deputy Chief Samuel Hines, of the Memphis Police Department, stated, "Public safety extends beyond our streets and into our waterways. Through the investigative work of the Memphis Police Department's Harbor Patrol Unit, with assistance from the Organized Crime Unit and in collaboration with the U.S. Coast Guard, critical evidence was developed that supported this federal indictment. Our commitment to addressing dangerous and reckless behavior on the Mississippi River is part of our ongoing work to build a Stronger, Safer Memphis and protect everyone utilizing our waterways."

The case was investigated by the United States Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS) and the Memphis Police Department (MPD) Harbor Patrol Unit.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Carroll L. André III on behalf of the government.

###

For more information, please contact the media relations team at [email protected]. Follow the U.S. Attorney's Office on FacebookLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link. or on XLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link. at @WDTNNews for office news and updates