A federal jury has convicted Jalen Thomas Kelley, a 22-year-old from Abingdon, Maryland, of aggravated sexual abuse, sexual abuse, and assault within the territorial jurisdiction. The verdict was announced after a two-week trial in Baltimore.
Erek L. Barron, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, stated: “Sexual violence is a horrific violation of personal autonomy and will not be tolerated. We will hold perpetrators accountable.” He emphasized that the verdict sends a message to survivors that they are "heard, validated and supported."
Evidence presented during the trial indicated that Kelley forcibly raped and assaulted a minor aboard the Carnival Legend cruise ship between January 1 and January 2, 2023. The ship was set to return to Baltimore on January 2. Prosecutors also brought forward testimony from six other individuals who claimed Kelley sexually assaulted them on different occasions.
Kelley could face a maximum sentence of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine his sentence based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
William J. DelBagno, Special Agent in Charge at the FBI's Baltimore Field Office, commented: “We will never stop working to serve justice for the victims of predators like Mr. Kelley, no matter where the crime occurs.”
The case is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative by the Department of Justice launched in May 2006 to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. This project aims to marshal resources at federal, state, and local levels to apprehend offenders and rescue victims.
U.S. Attorney Barron commended the FBI for its role in this case and thanked several law enforcement agencies including Harford County State’s Attorney’s Office; Harford Country Sheriff’s Office; Union County North Carolina District Attorney’s Office; Wingate University Campus Safety; and Wingate Police Department for their assistance.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sean R. Delaney and Colleen Elizabeth McGuinn prosecuted the case with support from FBI Special Agent Calista Walker and Legal Administrative Specialist Julie Jarman.
For further information about Project Safe Childhood or Internet safety education resources, visit www.justice.gov/psc.
