Theft charge dismissed against former manager of Marco-area marina
— A Collier judge threw out a criminal fraud case against Cedar Bay Yacht Club's former general manager after his lawyer proved he didn't steal a club member's 21-foot powerboat, sell it and pocket the money.Circuit Judge Frank Baker granted a motion to dismiss the fraud charge against Scott Gary Hopkins, 42, after defense attorney Michelle Hill argued he wasn't involved and that the alleged victim hadn't paid the Marco Island marina for repair fees, was warned his boat would be auctioned, but did nothing to stop it.
"There were tons of allegations, but no proof of anything," Hill said. "None of it is supported by facts. I don't know how they charged him."
Hill believes Hopkins was charged only because he went with Marco police officers to Calusa Island Marina, near Goodland, to get the boat so it could be sold.
Hopkins, who lost his $80,000 yearly job, contended he was a scapegoat to cover deeper financial and management troubles at the marina, which is embroiled in 10 lawsuits in Collier and Palm Beach counties.
