Brian James Holland, 23, from Jacksonville, Florida was identified by cruise ship cameras in the Carnival Elation hot tub attack earlier this week on another passenger who was 18-years-old but has the mental capacity of a 12-year-old.
On Tuesday, February 27, 2018 around 5:15pm, Holland is alleged to have groped the teen under the water. Holland allegedly appeared drunk, put his arm around her and she tried to pull away, but Holland pulled her back. Holland then proceeded to put his hand on her, then forced his hand inside her bathing suit and sexually assaulted her with his finger, injuring her in the process.
The teenage victim left the hot tub and immediately reported the attack to her family, who reported it to ship security. The cruise ship’s doctor reportedly found bruises and abrasions on her genitals.
A family member reported that the man made unwanted sexual advances toward her while on board the cruise ship. Multiple witnesses corroborated the unidentified victim’s account and identified Holland as the offender.
FBI agents and Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office were present at the port when Carnival Elation returned to port in Jacksonville, Florida on Thursday, March 1, 2018. Holland was arrested and held at the Duval County, Florida jail in federal custody, pending a detention hearing on March 6. Holland was charged with aggravated sexual abuse by force. He faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison and a potential lifetime of supervision.
Holland is well-known to local enforcement. In 2013, he pleaded guilty to disorderly intoxication and battery and given 12 months probation. In 2015, he pleaded guilty to disorderly intoxication and battery on a law enforcement officer and spent 46 days in jail.
Article Resources:
- Carnival Elation Special Needs Passenger Alleges Sexual Attack
- Carnival Elation Aft Webcam
- Carnival Elation Cruise Ship Tracker
- Carnival Elation Cruise Ship Schedule
- USA v Brian James Holland (pdf file)
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Video: Special needs woman allegedly assaulted aboard Carnival Cruise
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