FBI Charges Casselberry Man in Alleged Gang Rape of 15-Year-Old Girl on Cruise Ship

Whittel & Melton 866-608-5529 – Florida Sex Crimes Attorneys

Federal prosecutors believe a 31-year-old man and several teen boys raped a 15-year-old girl in a cabin onboard a Carnival cruise ship last month.

The man was arrested on a federal sex charge Monday.

A judge ordered the man to remain in the Orange County Jail until his trial.

The teen boys have not yet been charged, as the FBI must obtain permission from the Attorney General before filing charges against juveniles.

According to a criminal complaint, the man boarded the ship with his wife on Aug. 16. The couple was apparently given a second cabin after making a noise complaint about their first cabin. They were allegedly allowed to keep both rooms.

The 15-year-old girl alleges that the she and her friend, also 15, went to the man’s cabin along with four other boys.

She claims that once inside the cabin the man and boys held her down and took turns having sex with her.

The girl’s friend was allegedly held in the bathroom by one of the boys.

The girl told an FBI agent that at one point someone knocked on the door and one of the boys answered it, leaving her on the floor of the cabin. She claims the man and teen boys continued raping her once the person at the door left.

At some point, one of the alleged attackers dressed the girl and let her friend out of the bathroom.

The girl apparently received medical treatment on the ship for her injuries.

The FBI said the teen boys admitted to sexually assaulting the girl. They allege that the man supplied both girls with alcohol and that victim was drunk and unable to resist.

According to FBI agents, during an interview, the man said he was drunk and was unaware that things got sexual. He allegedly admitted to having sex with women other than his wife on the cruise, but passed out and did not have sex with the teen.

Carnival contacted the FBI as soon as they learned of the alleged attack.

When facing federal sex crimes charges, you need the help of a federal criminal defense lawyer even if formal charges have not yet been filed. Any sex crime charge can carry devastating consequences, but when you are facing federal charges, the penalties associated with a conviction are much harsher. Any sex crime that crosses state lines will immediately fall under the jurisdiction of the federal criminal justice system. The rules regarding federal charges differ from state criminal prosecutions. The Florida Sex Crimes Defense Attorneys at Whittel & Melton can help you take on federal prosecutors, no matter the specifics surrounding your arrest.

It is important to recognize that federal sex crimes charges are a very serious matter, and therefore need to be handled accordingly. If you are under investigation or have been arrested and charged with a federal sex crime, it is crucial to invoke your right to remain silent and immediately contact the Florida Sex Crimes Attorneys at Whittel & Melton. By keeping quiet, you can avoid making any incriminating statements that could negatively impact the outcome of your case. The earlier on in the case we are involved, the sooner we can start investigating your case and uncover any possible defenses that could have your charges reduced or dismissed.

If you have been charged with a federal sex crime, or think you may be at some point, contact the Florida Sex Crimes Attorneys at Whittel & Melton online or call us statewide and toll-free by dialing 866-608-5529.