Boston Harbor Cruises’ ferry Fort Independence.
Credit: Nicolaus Czarnecki, Metro
A 62-year-old Malden man pleaded not guilty to stealing a commercial ferry and letting it drift in Boston Harbor.
Samuel LeClair, also known as Samuel Saldutti, was arraigned Tuesday on a warrant after the Dec. 25 incident. He was charged with larceny over $250 and breaking and entering, according to the Suffolk district attorney’s office. A judge released him on personal recognizance Wednesday after a court clinician deemed him competent to assist in his defense.
Marine units from the Boston police, state police, Boston fire department and Massport responded to the adrift vessel just before noon on Dec. 25. Authorities said that they found LeClair onboard.
He allegedly told them he untied the Boston Harbor Cruises’ 68-foot passenger ferry at Long Wharf and that his girlfriend – Stevie Nicks – was the captain and driver. Authorities said he was alone on the boat.
Boston Harbor Cruises inspected the boat and found no damage.
Boston police later obtained a complaint against LeClair that charged him with the crime.
Follow Michael Naughton on Twitter @metrobosmike.
