In a dramatic turn of events, a Florida man has walked free after being acquitted of charges stemming from an alleged assault during a tumultuous South Florida boat party. This verdict marks the conclusion of a nearly four-year ordeal for Cole Goldberg, who was accused of attempting to drown his girlfriend, a notable figure from the “90 Day Fiancé” series.
Goldberg faced serious charges including attempted second-degree murder, domestic battery by strangulation, and simple battery. However, on March 12, a Palm Beach County court found him not guilty following a bench trial concerning the 2022 incident at Boca Bash, a prominent annual boating festival held in Lake Boca Raton.
Reflecting on the verdict, Goldberg expressed profound relief and gratitude. “After nearly four years of enduring these accusations, being found not guilty on all counts is life-changing. I’m extremely grateful to my attorneys, my family, and everyone who supported me through this ordeal. The experience was overwhelming, but now I can finally breathe. It’s a massive relief and a weight lifted off my shoulders,” Goldberg shared with Fox News Digital.
The alleged incident involved an altercation between Goldberg and his then-girlfriend, Caroline Schwitzky, aboard a boat during Boca Bash on April 24, 2022. Schwitzky, a Miami-based talent agent, gained recognition through her appearance on “90 Day Fiancé: Happily Ever After?” where she represented cast member Paola Mayfield.
During the trial, prosecutors claimed that Goldberg had assaulted Schwitzky following a heated argument. Yet, the court’s decision has now cleared Goldberg of all charges, bringing a sense of closure to a case that has drawn significant public attention.
Goldberg was photographed leaving the courthouse for lunch during his trial, which took place at the Judge Daniel T.K. Hurley Courthouse in downtown West Palm Beach, Florida, on March 10, 2026. (Photo credit: THOMAS CORDY/PALM BEACH POST / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
The Boca Bash is an annual alcohol-fueled gathering that draws thousands of boaters each year.
According to investigators and witness accounts, Schwitzky jumped into the water during the dispute and attempted to swim to another vessel. Authorities alleged Goldberg followed her and tried to drown her before a bystander intervened.
But Goldberg argued that the situation was “chaotic” and misinterpreted.
“It was definitely a chaotic situation on the water. I couldn’t swim. I was struggling in the water from the outside. Some people thought they were seeing something and misperceived something more serious than what actually happened. And that perception ultimately led to these kind of charges,” he said.
Caroline Schwitzky testifies during Cole Preston Goldberg’s second-degree attempted murder trial at the Judge Daniel T.K. Hurley Courthouse in downtown West Palm Beach, Fla., on March 10, 2026. (THOMAS CORDY/PALM BEACH POST / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
During his trial, Goldberg testified that he entered the water to reach Schwitzky and help get her back to safety after securing a ride off the boat but quickly began to panic in the current.
“I just felt like I was drowning and thought I was potentially going to die. It was the scariest thing I’ve ever experienced,” he said.
He said that any contact with his then-girlfriend was brief.
“I just touched her shoulder for one to two seconds just to keep my head above water, and this is when I had all these accusations happen. It’s very unfortunate,” he said.
“There was zero intent at all to do any harm, and these accusations were just ridiculous,” he said.
Boca Bash on Lake Boca Raton on April 27, 2025, in Boca Raton, Florida. Hundreds of party-goers floated on the lakes in boats, kayaks and paddle boards. (Greg Lovett / Imagn)
The case ultimately turned on conflicting eyewitness testimony. Goldberg said even witnesses who observed the same incident walked away with different interpretations.
“These eyewitnesses ended up seeing sort of the same thing, but also something different, and perception played a big role in the outcome,” he said.
The judge found the evidence insufficient to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, resulting in acquittal on all counts.
Cole Goldberg celebrates with family and friends following his acquittal. (Courtesy of Cole Goldberg)
Goldberg said the years between his arrest and trial disrupted career plans.
“This definitely put a pause on my career. I was just graduating from university at the time. I was 23 when things had happened. My plans to go to law school derailed. All my friends were just moving forward while I was dealing with this case and accusations,” he said.
“The whole system is supposed to be innocent until proven guilty, but it’s sort of reversed in the public eye. With all these headlines and mugshots, people formulate opinions, and I had to deal with those opinions throughout this whole four-year process,” he said.
Now at 27, Goldberg said he plans to pursue a legal career and begin studying for the LSAT.
“I feel like I can resonate with future clients given that I was physically in this position,” he said.
Revelers aboard boats celebrate the annual Boca Bash on Lake Boca Raton in Florida, April 27, 2025. The unofficial annual event, which started in the early 2000s, takes place on the last Sunday of April for a day of socializing and boating. (Romain Maurice for Fox News Digital)
Fox News Digital has reached out to Schwitzky’s attorney and Assistant State Attorney Victoria Suarez for comment.
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