Captain Pleads Guilty in Maritime Assault | Bangor News

A former cargo ship captain has pleaded guilty to drugging and raping a 21-year-old U.S. Merchant Marine Academy cadet during her Sea Year training — a program with a troubling history of abuse. The victim, who still works in maritime, said “It’s over” after the plea, while prosecutors hope it brings her closure. The captain, free on bail until sentencing in December, had previously seen charges dismissed on appeal — underscoring how hard it is to prosecute sex crimes at sea. He lured the cadet with a “soda” laced with alcohol, erasing her memory of the assault. The case shines a harsh light on systemic failures and the urgent need for change in a sector where victims often face silence and institutional neglect. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/46898f4bcdb6c505