After a two-week trial, a federal jury has found Jalen Thomas Kelley, 22, from Abingdon, Maryland, guilty of aggravated sexual abuse, sexual abuse, and assault within the territorial jurisdiction. The announcement was made by Erek L. Barron, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, alongside Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Baltimore Field Office.
“Sexual violence is a horrific violation of personal autonomy and will not be tolerated. We will hold perpetrators accountable,” stated U.S. Attorney Barron. “This verdict should send a message to survivors that they are heard, validated and supported.”
The trial revealed that between January 1 and January 2, 2023, Kelley forcibly raped and assaulted a minor aboard the Carnival Legend cruise ship scheduled to return to Baltimore on January 2. During the trial, prosecutors also presented testimony from six other individuals who alleged Kelley sexually assaulted them on separate occasions. Kelley faces a maximum sentence of life in prison; sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
“We will never stop working to serve justice for the victims of predators like Mr. Kelley, no matter where the crime occurs,” said FBI Baltimore's DelBagno. “Today’s conviction reflects the unwavering resolve of the FBI to protect our communities and keep Americans safe.”
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. It involves collaboration among federal, state, and local resources to locate and prosecute individuals who exploit children while identifying and rescuing victims.
U.S. Attorney Barron commended the FBI for its work on this case and thanked various local law enforcement agencies for their assistance. He also acknowledged Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sean R. Delaney and Colleen Elizabeth McGuinn for prosecuting the case as well as FBI Special Agent Calista Walker and Legal Administrative Specialist Julie Jarman.
For more information about Project Safe Childhood or Internet safety education resources visit www.justice.gov/psc.