John Merrone

A former captain pleaded guilty to drugging and raping a U.S. Merchant Marine Academy cadet on a cargo ship during her training. The incident occurred in 2019 aboard the Liberty Glory while the cadet was working at sea.

A former cargo ship captain, John Merrone, pleaded guilty to drugging and raping a 21-year-old U.S. Merchant Marine Academy cadet on a ship during her Sea Year training in 2019. Merrone admitted to the crimes before his trial began in Brooklyn federal court, facing up to life in prison with a likely 15-19 year sentence. The victim, identified as Jane Doe, expressed relief as the case concluded.

A former cargo ship captain pleaded guilty to drugging and raping a U.S. Merchant Marine Academy cadet on a cargo ship. He admitted to the crime during his trial in Brooklyn federal court and faces up to life in prison for charges including aggravated sexual abuse and abusive sexual contact.

John Merrone, a cargo ship captain, pleaded guilty to drugging and sexually assaulting a U.S. Merchant Marine Academy cadet named Jane in September 2019 aboard the Liberty Glory. He also faces charges for assaulting at least three other women between 1999 and 2021. Merrone admitted to the crimes during a court hearing just before his trial was set to begin.

John Merrone, 54, pleaded guilty to five sex crimes charges for spiking a female cadet's drink and raping her aboard the Liberty Glory cargo ship on Sept. 8, 2019. He faces a potential life prison sentence.

John Merrone, accused of raping a Merchant Marine cadet in 2019, is set to face trial in New York City. Opening statements begin Wednesday, with Merrone appearing in court on Tuesday for pre-trial proceedings.