Man Charged With Sex Abuse On Cruise Ship
A Mississippi man was charged yesterday [Aug 30] in federal court in Boston for allegedly sexually assaulting a minor during a cruise from Boston to Bermuda, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts.
U.S. officials said the man was charged with one count of sexual abuse of a minor, and he is is “currently in Bermuda, awaiting extradition to the United States.”
“Sexual abuse of a minor carries a sentence of no greater than 15 years in prison, a minimum of five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000,” the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.
U.S. officials said that ship security notified Bermudian authorities, with the official statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office noting that “valuable assistance” was provided by entities including the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Bermuda Police Service.
A Bermuda Police spokesperson said, “The Bermuda Police Service is aware of a report of a sexual assault against a minor that took place on a cruise ship that was berthed in Bermuda recently.
“The BPS did the initial response and determine all parties involved were US Citizens. In accordance with international practice the matter over handed to an overseas law enforcement partner agency to complete the investigation.
“The BPS is assisting the investigation. Child safeguarding is a service priority. Accepted best practice dictates that we not comment on the specifics of any investigation that involves minors.”
