DWI arrest made in Diversion Canal boating accident

Husband of former MADD Louisiana executive director arested.

A Baton Rouge attorney was arrested Monday (Sept. 26) and booked with DWI in connection with an August boating accident on the Amite River Diversion Canal that left an LSU cheer coach paralyzed, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries reported.

LDWF said 41-year-old Jack W. Riffle was booked into the Livingston Parish Jail on four counts: first-degree negligent injury, driving or operating a boat while intoxicated, and reckless operation of a moving vessel.

Chico Garcio, a 29-year-old cheer coach at LSU, was seriously injured in the accident. He has reportedly been left paralyzed.

Also injured in the accident were Riffle’s 44-year-old wife Elizabeth and the couple’s two children.

The adult Riffles own the Riffle Law Firm. Elizabeth Riffle also is a former executive director of MADD Louisiana, according to her bio on the Riffle Law Firm’s Web site.

The accident occurred Aug. 27 when the 19-foot boat Riffle was allegedly operating struck and lodged under a pier, the LDWF said.

Jack Riffle submitted to a blood sample following the boating crash incident, which allegedly showed that he was over the .08 blood alcohol concentration legal limit, the LDWF said.

First-degree negligent injury brings up to a $2,000 fine and up to five years in jail for each offense. First offense DWI carries a $300 to $1,000 fine and up to six months in jail.  Reckless operation of a moving vessel brings up to a $200 fine and up to 90 days in jail.