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Criminal charges against former Captain for sexual assault at sea

The U.S. Department of Justice has filed criminal charges against the former captain of the 'Liberty Glory', John Merrone, for allegedly drugging and sexually assaulting a U.S. Merchant Marine Academy cadet aboard the bulk carrier. The charges, filed in the Eastern District of New York, were marking the first DOJ prosecution for sexual assault aboard a U.S. commercial vessel in over 40 years, according to counsel in the case. According to the indictment, Merrone faces five criminal counts for events that occurred on Sep 9, 2019, aboard the vessel, en route from Bahrain to Corpus Christi, Texas. The charges were including aggravated sexual abuse for allegedly drugging and rendering the female victim unconscious before sexually assaulting her, sexual abuse for engaging in sexual acts while the victim was incapable of consent, and three counts of abusive sexual contact related to non-consensual sexual contact while the victim was either unconscious or incapable of consent. Justice4Mariners serves as counsel for the victim, along with a second victim who was also allegedly drugged. The case has highlighted systemic issues within the maritime industry. Merrone had previously been convicted of false imprisonment and battery in Florida, yet continued working in the commercial fleet while the USMMA continued sending cadets to serve aboard his ships. Following public pressure, the American Maritime Officers union expelled Merrone, citing multiple credible allegations and concerns about crew safety. Shortly after, he surrendered his Merchant Mariner Credential to the Coast Guard and accepted a lifetime ban from the U.S. maritime industry.