Dave Matthews Band faces fines

The Dave Matthews Band could face $70,000 in fines after one of its tour bus drivers was accused of dumping a tankful of human waste on a Chicago River sightseeing boat this month.

After a two-week investigation into an incident that prompted outrage from Chicago’s mayor and snickering from late-night television hosts, Illinois Atty. Gen. Lisa Madigan on Tuesday accused the band and driver Stefan A. Whol of illegally dumping foul-smelling muck into the river and creating a public nuisance.

About two-thirds of the passengers on the upper deck of Chicago’s Little Lady were doused with a brownish-yellow liquid as the tour boat crossed under a bridge during an Aug. 8 architectural sightseeing cruise. Some of the passengers suffered nausea and vomiting.

A band publicist issued a statement Tuesday night saying, “Our driver has stated that he was not involved in this incident. We reserve any judgment until we see the evidence.”