Metro

Money honcho admits to fatal drunk boating crash

A drunk private equities honcho who fatally rammed his 30-foot motorboat into a Bayliner half its size in New York Harbor three years ago — killing a bridegroom weeks before his wedding — admitted his guilt in a no-jail plea deal with prosecutors Tuesday in Manhattan.

Richard Aquilone, 43, of Jersey City, was aboard his 30-foot boat the Reel Impulsive with his wife and three children when he smacked into the 17-foot vessel so hard it split in two.

He killed 30-year-old physical therapist Jijo Puthuvamkunnath and seriously injured the bridegroom’s pal in the collision near the Statute of Liberty on July 2nd of 2010. He was boating boozed up with a blood-alcohol level of .08 causing the tragic death, he admitted today in Manhattan Supreme Court.

“You were drunk correct?” asked Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Jill Konviser.

“Yes, your honor,” Aquilone responded.

Aquilone copped to three felonies vehicular manslaughter, vehicular assault and criminally negligent homicide in exchange for 5 years of probation and 250 hours of community service. He also must complete a boating safety course although Konviser revoked his right to ever operate or register a vessel in the state of New York.

Dressed in a slick brown suit with matching suede shoes, Aquilone quickly ducked out of the courthouse.

The private equities firm partner had blamed a third vessel — a Shark sightseeing boat — for cutting him off and raising a huge wake, making it impossible to see the 17-foot Bayliner helmed by Puthuvamkunnath.

The victim’s family sued Aquilone, who, in turn, sued the Shark boat operators, Circle Line.

After lengthy meetings with the District Attorney’s office, the victim’s family supported the plea deal, prosecutors said.

“The defendant, will be held accountable for his actions and choices and Mr Puthuvamkunnath’s family will have the finality and closure that they seek,” said Manhattan Assistant District Attorney John Wolfstaetter in court.

Aquilone returns Nov. 12 for sentencing.