The U.S. Department of Justice has charged former ship captain John Merrone for allegedly drugging and sexually assaulting cadets from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy aboard the cargo ship M/V Liberty Glory in September 2019. This marks the first federal criminal case regarding sexual assaults on U.S.-flagged vessels in over four decades.
Merrone faces five charges, including aggravated sexual abuse and three counts of sexual misconduct, connected to incidents involving female victims incapable of consent due to drugs. Ryan Melogy, founder of Justice4Mariners, called this a pivotal moment for the maritime industry, highlighting the long history of unaddressed sexual assaults at sea.
Merrone had prior convictions for battery and false imprisonment but was still permitted to work in the maritime sector while cadets were sent to serve on his ships. Public outcry in response to earlier reports from victims led to Merrone’s permanent ban from the maritime industry.
The case reflects systemic issues within the maritime sector, which have previously silenced victims and protected predators. Following allegations of sexual assault against female cadets, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy temporarily suspended its Sea Year program, implementing new guidelines to enhance cadet safety.
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