Brent Arthur Gilpin, Attempted Sexual Abuse, Florida 2024

A Palm Coast man has been found guilty of attempted sexual abuse on a cruise ship. Brent Arthur Gilpin, 48, was convicted of attempted sexual abuse and abusive sexual contact after a federal jury in Fort Lauderdale delivered the verdict.

According to court records, the attempted abuse occurred on a cruise ship when Gilpin encountered a 21-year-old woman at a casino bar. Over the next 45 minutes, the victim became intoxicated to the point of incapacitation, falling to the floor twice. Gilpin helped her stand and then maneuvered her into a casino chair, where he placed her on his lap and began to fondle her.

While the victim lay unconscious, video surveillance captured Gilpin attempting to digitally penetrate the victim.

U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida stated that sexual predators look for vulnerability and exploited an incapacitated young woman aboard a cruise ship. The jury saw the evidence and delivered justice, and the U.S. Attorney's Office will continue to prosecute sexual abuse aggressively, whether it occurs on land or at sea.

Gilpin faces up to life in federal prison for attempted sexual abuse and up to three years in prison for abusive sexual contact. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The FBI's Miami Field Office is investigating the case, with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brianna Coakley and Daniel Rosenfeld prosecuting the case. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida.

Brent Arthur Gilpin, a 48-year-old Palm Coast man, has been convicted of attempted sexual abuse and abusive sexual contact. He faces up to life in federal prison for attempted sexual abuse and up to three years in prison for abusive sexual contact. The case is currently under investigation by the FBI's Miami Field Office and being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brianna Coakley and Daniel Rosenfeld.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl/pr/palm-coast-man-found-guilty-attempted-sexual-abuse-aboard-cruise-ship