Jacksonville man accused of cruise ship assault will remain in federal custody

Jacksonville, FL — The Jacksonville man accused of sexually assaulting a developmentally challenged teen while on a cruise, has been denied release from federal custody.

23-year-old Brian Holland went before a judge today, where his attorney argued he should be released to the custody of his grandmother in Satsuma. Instead, the judge ordered Holland be detained. He will be kept in isolation, with information surfacing that Holland has tried to commit suicide since he has been in custody.

He was immediately taken by JSO and the FBI after getting off the Jacksonville-based Carnival Elation Thursday. On Friday, the FBI confirmed Holland's arrest, for allegedly touching the victim inside and outside of her bathing suit, while they were in a hot tub on the ship. The criminal complaint says the victim is 18, but has the mental capacity of a 12-year-old. A medical exam confirmed signs of sexual battery by force.

Holland could face life in prison if he’s convicted.

Part of the reason the judge ordered his continued detention is that Holland has two prior battery convictions. He’s also believed to be a flight risk. The defense argued that he case is thin, and there was no witness to the assault.

The next hearing has been scheduled for March 16th.