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Jacksonville man arrested for sexual abuse of developmentally challenged teen on cruise ship

Carnival Elation departs out of Jacksonville.

(ActionNewsJax.com)

Jacksonville, FL — A day after the Jacksonville-based Carnival Elation cruise ship returned to port, a passenger has been arrested for aggravated sexual abuse on another passenger.

Earlier this week, we learned a man was being detained on the cruise ship, after the victim came forward with the allegation of assault. The ship got back to Jacksonville Thursday, and the suspect was immediately detained by the FBI and JSO.

Now, the FBI says 23-year-old Brian Holland, of Jacksonville, has been arrested for active sexual abuse of a person incapable of declining participation. The criminal complaint says the victim is 18-years-old, but has the mental capacity of a 12-year-old. The victim's family previously told our partner Action News Jax that they feel the teen was targeted by the suspect.

The criminal complaint says Holland assaulted the victim while they were in a hot tub, and he appeared to be drunk at the time. Holland was allegedly among several people in the hot tub, but was sitting next to the victim, put his arm around her, an pulled her back toward him when she tried to leave. The victim reported that Holland put his hand both over and under her bathing suit bottoms, and at one point he used his finger to penetrate her. When the victim got out of the hot tub, the victim reported that he got out as well and said he wanted to see her agian.

The victim changed out of her bathing suit and then contacted her grandmother- who was on the ship with her- to report the assault. A medical exam done by the ship’s doctor confirmed signs of assault by force, according to the criminal complaint.

The FBI says multiple witnesses corroborated the victim’s account and identified Holland as the offender.

Federal court records show Holland made his first appearance in front of a judge today, where he was appointed a federal public defender. He remains in federal custody, pending a detention hearing next Tuesday.

The US Attorney’s Office says Holland could face life in prison if convicted.

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