A former U.S. merchant ship captain, John Merrone, has pleaded guilty to serious federal charges following the drugging and sexual assault of a U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) cadet while aboard the cargo ship Liberty Glory. Merrone entered his plea in federal court in Brooklyn, facing five counts, including aggravated sexual abuse and sexual abuse, shortly after a jury had been selected for trial. The plea marks the end of a closely monitored criminal case in the maritime industry.
The incident occurred in September 2019 when Merrone gave the 21-year-old cadet an intoxicating substance without her consent during her training as part of the USMMA’s Sea Year program. After summoning her and another female cadet to his stateroom, Merrone served them alcoholic drinks, leading to their incapacitation and memory loss of the evening. The victim later reported awakening partially clothed with signs of sexual assault. Following her return to the U.S., she sought medical attention and reported the crime to law enforcement in 2021.
This prosecution is particularly significant as it represents the first federal criminal charges for sexual assault aboard a U.S.-flag commercial vessel in over four decades. The case has intensified scrutiny of sexual misconduct within the maritime industry, prompting the academy to adopt new policies aimed at protecting cadets from harassment and assault. Merrone has been expelled from the American Maritime Officers union and has received a lifetime ban from the U.S. maritime industry.
