Jacksonville Man Arrested And Charged With Aggravated Sexual Abuse By Force On Cruise Ship

Jacksonville, FL – Brian Holland (23, Jacksonville) has been arrested and charged by criminal complaint with aggravated sexual abuse by force. He faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison and a potential lifetime of supervision. Holland made his initial appearance in federal court today and was temporarily detained pending a detention hearing on Tuesday, March 6, 2018.

According to the complaint, agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation  were notified by the security department of the Carnival Cruise Line vessel Elation that a passenger onboard the ship had been involved in an incident of sexual abuse on February 27, 2018. The victim stated that she was in the Jacuzzi with Holland on the cruise ship when he kept attempting to put his arm around her and she attempted to move further away from him. Holland then tried to put his hand on her shoulder and pull her back toward him. The victim stated that Holland touched her on her genitals over her bathing suit and then under her bathing suit, digitally penetrating her by force. The victim left the Jacuzzi and immediately reported what happened to family, who then reported it to ship security. The victim was examined by medical personnel on the ship, who found abrasions on her genitals consisted with digital penetration by force.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau ofInvestigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ashley Washington and Jay Taylor.