A seller and broker of boats was arrested and charged with allegedly defrauding and stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from his clients. He allegedly obtained boats from clients under the false pretense that he would sell them and remit the proceeds.
Between October 20, 2023, and April 7, 2025, Rory P. Hogan, a boat broker and owner of Riteway Marine Solutions in Babylon, allegedly took possession of boats from clients under the pretense that he would sell the vessels on their behalf and pay the proceeds to the original owners upon completion of the sales. Instead, Hogan allegedly lied to clients for months, insisting that he hadn’t yet sold the boats, when in reality, he had and was using the proceeds for his own personal use instead of compensating the sellers.
The complaint charges that Hogan allegedly defrauded more than ten customers who entrusted him to broker the sale of their boats. In one instance, Hogan allegedly withheld $250,000 from the sale of a customer’s boat, never transferring the proceeds as agreed. In another instance, Hogan allegedly sold a customer’s boat for over $70,000 and did not pay the customer.
It is further alleged that, between August 13, 2024, and April 4, 2025, Hogan knowingly issued checks to customers and vendors, despite having insufficient funds in his bank accounts, including checks drawn from closed accounts.
On September 5, 2025, Hogan, 60, surrendered and was arraigned before District Court Judge Jonathan R. Bloom for Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, a Class C felony, Scheme to Defraud, a Class E felony, and Issuing Bad Checks, a Class B misdemeanor. Bloom ordered Hogan released without bail because his charges are considered non-bail eligible under current New York State law, meaning prosecutors cannot ask for, and judges cannot set bail.
Hogan is due back in court on September 9, 2025, and faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted on the top count.
“When boat owners entrusted this defendant with their vessels, they expected honest business practices and timely payment of proceeds,” said Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney. “Instead, the defendant allegedly exploited that trust, converting thousands of dollars for his personal use while leaving his clients empty-handed. This office will continue to pursue those who prey on consumers through fraudulent business schemes and ensure victims receive the restitution that they deserve.”
If you believe you have been victimized by Rory P. Hogan, please call the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office at (631) 853-5602.