Mongan accepts plea deal

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OREGON – An Oregon man accused of causing a fatal boat crash in 2016 has pled guilty to a single felony charge.

Marc Mongan changed his not guilty plea to a guilty plea to the charge of reckless conduct, a Class 4 felony, during a final court hearing on April 19 before he was to face a jury trial, which was set for Monday, April 23.

When asked by Judge John Redington if he was changing his plea to guilty, Mongan replied, “Yes, your honor.”

Mongan was charged with three counts of reckless homicide and reckless conduct along with a charge of aggravated DUI, all felony charges. He was involved in a boat crash on the Rock River in June 2016, which resulted in the death of 31-year-old Megan Wells of Rockford. 

All charges except for the single felony were dropped.

“Mr. Mongan has made a very difficult decision today, which he believes was in his best interest and in the best interest of his family,” his attorney, Dave Tess, said after the hearing. “Beyond that, we reserve any comments we will make until after the sentencing hearing.”

A Class 4 felony is the least severe felony charge. It can include 30 months of probation, 1-3 years in prison, a form of work release for 18 months and up to a $25,000 fine.

After much discussion with all parties, Redington set the initial sentencing date for June 19, although that could change.

“When I first was assigned this case, and had a chance to review it, it was my evaluation that this crime warranted a felony conviction,” said special state prosecutor Dave Neal after the hearing. “He admitted his guilt, and will now be a convicted felon, and we can move on to the sentencing of the defendant.”

After Mongan changed his plea to guilty, Neal read an account of the accident in the courtroom, including what the witnesses would have testified to. The parents of Wells hugged and her mother cried softly.

“Our goal all along was to go to trial and let the evidence speak for itself and the truth prevail,” the father of Wells, David Swaziek, said. “This has been tough on our family since day one.”

The hearing began with attorneys again discussing the possible testimony of a defense expert before a meeting with Redington in his chambers to discuss the possible plea deal, which had been offered by the state. Court resumed after more than an hour and the plea agreement was announced.

Redington also said that he will preserve the statements of the victims to be heard at the sentencing.