Husband of missing woman: I didn’t transport stolen coins

The husband of a Delray Beach woman who was reported missing at sea during their belated honeymoon sailing trip pleaded not guilty to transporting stolen coins during a brief appearance Tuesday in federal court in Fort Lauderdale.

Lewis Bennett, 40, wore a navy blue jail jumpsuit and was shackled and handcuffed to around his waist.

He pleaded not guilty to one charge of transporting stolen gold and silver coins, which were discovered when the Coast Guard rescued him from a life raft after the couple’s catamaran sank in May, about 30 miles west of Cay Sal, in the Bahamas.

More stolen coins were later found during a search of his West Delray condo in June, authorities said.

Bennett did not speak audibly in court. He talked quietly with his attorney, Paul Walsh.

Bennett, who is expected to remain jailed while the case is pending, is tentatively scheduled to go to trial chain Dec. 11 in federal court in Key West, records show.

Bennett was indicted last week on a federal charge of transporting stolen property. The offense carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.

Bennett was on a belated honeymoon sail with Isabella Hellmann when their 37-foot catamaran hit something on Mother’s Day, he told investigators. He said he had been sleeping below deck while she kept watch. He awoke to find that Hellmann was missing, and the boat was taking on water during their trip from Cuba to Florida, he said.

Bennett is not facing any criminal charges regarding his wife’s disappearance.