SANDPOINT — A man charged in connection with a fatal boat crash last September pleaded guilty Monday to involuntary manslaughter as part of a plea agreement.  

In the deal, Sean Caldon, 55, pleaded guilty to one count of involuntary manslaughter as part of a Rule 11 plea agreement, where the court is bound to the plea agreement accepted by the defense and the state.  

As part of the agreement, the court will dismiss a misdemeanor charge of operating a watercraft under the influence.  

During his sentencing hearing Oct. 22, the state is expected to recommend an underlying sentence of 10 years — five fixed, five indeterminate — with five years of probation.  

If Caldon fails probation, he would be required to serve out his underlying sentence.

During the sentencing hearing, the state will also recommend that Caldon serve 270 days in jail. His attorney is expected to recommend 90 days in jail.  

Also included in the agreement, Caldon will not be allowed to operate a watercraft during his probation period and will be required to use an ignition interlock system in his vehicle.  

Fines for the felony are listed at $1,000.  

Without the plea agreement, Caldon could be facing 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.  

Caldon remains at the Bonner County Jail until his sentencing hearing. 

The case stems from a Sept. 20, 2025, boating crash where Caldon ran his boat aground on Cottage Island.  

After emergency personnel responded to the 911 call, Caldon told officials his passenger, Jose “Gomie” Gomez, had been ejected from the boat and was missing. Multiple first responders and emergency personnel responded to the scene, including the Bonner County Sheriff’s Office, Idaho State Police, Bonner County Emergency Services and the Sam Owen and Sandpoint fire departments.

Sam Owen Fire was the first agency on scene and initiated search efforts for Gomez. Upon locating him on land, the agency reported several lifesaving attempts before pronouncing him deceased.   

Criminal charges were filed Oct. 14, 2025, following a full investigation into the crash.