A Jacksonville man has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for a heinous crime committed on a cruise ship.
Brian James Holland, 23, was found guilty of aggravated sexual abuse by force on July 18, 2018, after a federal jury delivered the verdict.
The incident occurred on February 27, 2018, on the Carnival Cruise Line vessel Elation. A passenger with an intellectual disability reported an incident of sexual abuse by force to ship security.
The victim testified that she had been in the cruise ship’s hot tub when Holland attempted to put his arm around her, and she tried to move further away from him. However, Holland persisted, trying to put his hand on her shoulder and pull her back towards him. Two passengers who were in the hot tub at the time of the incident corroborated the victim’s claim.
The victim further testified that Holland digitally penetrated her by force, touching her genitals both over and under her bathing suit. The victim then left the hot tub and reported the incident to her family, who in turn reported it to ship security.
Ship medical personnel conducted an examination of the victim, which revealed abrasions on her genitals consistent with digital penetration by force. The FBI investigated the case, and Carnival Cruise Line’s Security Department provided assistance.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ashley Washington and Jay Taylor prosecuted the case. Holland’s sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Brian J. Davis.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and reporting of such incidents.
Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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