CHICAGO, Jan. 19 (UPI) -- A Texas-based driver for the Dave Matthews Band was charged with dumping about 80 gallons of liquid human waste on a Chicago River tour boat in August.
Band bus driver Stefan Wohl initially denied any involvement in the Aug. 8 incident on the Kinzie Street Bridge. He had no comment when he surrendered to police Wednesday to face charges of reckless conduct and the discharge of contaminated waste to cause water pollution, both criminal misdemeanors.
Wohl could face up to one year in prison and be fined up to $10,000 if convicted, Cook County State's Attorney Richard Devine said. A hearing was scheduled March 9.
Witnesses say some 800 pounds of brownish-yellow waste rained down on the 120 passengers aboard the architectural tour boat Chicago's Little Lady through metal bridge grating.
A videotape from a security camera at the nearby East Bank Club captured the empty bus of band violinist Boyd Tinsley on the bridge at the time of the dumping last summer.
The Dave Matthews band donated $100,000 to Friends of the Chicago River and the Chicago Park District last year, but still faces several lawsuits.
