SANDPOINT — A man charged in connection with a fatal boat crash last September was sentenced to 270 days in county jail and five years of probation. 

Just over a year after charges were filed, more than 40 people gathered at the Bonner County Courthouse for the sentencing of Sean Caldon, 55. Caldon was charged with involuntary manslaughter in the September 2025 death of community member Jose “Gomie” Gomez. 

The courtroom was somber as Gomez’s family members described his character and the loss that his death has caused. They recalled his impact on the community and the larger-than-life presence and warmth he brought to those around him. 

In her impact statement, Sandra Gomez described her husband as a “once-in-a-lifetime” person and her partner in everything. She told the court that, a year after the crash, she still cannot shake the images from that evening and now must operate several local companies that the couple used to run together. 

She further spoke of their children, sharing her worries about how the incident will affect them, and that nothing can replace the guidance and comfort of their father.  

"Jose deserved to come home. Give his death, and the loss of our family, what we deserve," Sandra said when asking for the maximum allowed sentence for Caldon.  

Sandra included in her testimony that she was unhappy with the court proceeding and mediation that occurred, which resulted in the Rule 11 plea agreement.  

"I did not want mediation or a deal," Sandra said. "I wanted this to go to trial." 

Jose’s eldest son and mother echoed Sandra’s description of him and expressed frustration with Caldon’s actions that evening, particularly considering his law enforcement background. 

"The worst thing you can do when driving under the influence isn't harming yourself, but it's taking the life of someone else," Angel Gomez, Jose's son, said.  

Given an opportunity to speak, Caldon apologized for what happened on Sept. 20, 2025. He said the decision to drive the boat was his alone and that no one should feel responsible for the crash. 

"I — took a life. I lived a life to protect and serve, and I betrayed my whole life that day," Caldon said. "My decision was mine alone. The responsibility lives with me alone. Every day I will live with the consequences." 

At a change of plea hearing Aug. 3, Caldon pleaded guilty to a felony count of involuntary manslaughter. As part of a Rule 11 plea agreement, a misdemeanor of operating a watercraft while under the influence was dismissed.  

The binding Rule 11 plea agreement called for up to 270 days in county jail and five years of probation, with an underlying 10-year prison sentence — five years fixed and five years indeterminate. 

District Court Judge Susie Jensen imposed the maximum sentence allowed under the agreement and granted Caldon credit for 81 days already served. During probation, Caldon may not operate a watercraft and must use an ignition interlock device in his vehicle. 

He will also be required to pay a $1,000 fine and court costs.  

"Choosing to drink and then get behind the wheel of a boat puts everyone at risk. It's incredibly dangerous, and should be treated as such," Jensen said. "I don't think it's as frowned upon as it should be."  

Jensen said Caldon may not have been the only person who left Pearl’s on the Lake, a restaurant in Hope, by boat while over the legal blood alcohol limit. But, she said, he was the one whose actions caused the “ultimate consequence” — his friend’s death.