Crime & Safety
Abingdon Man Found Guilty Of Raping Minor On Baltimore Cruise Ship During Holidays
An Abingdon man has been found guilty of raping a minor while both were on a Baltimore cruise ship during the holidays in 2023.
ABINGDON, MD — A 22-year-old Abingdon man has been found guilty of raping a minor while both were on a cruise ship for the holidays last year.
According to trial evidence, on Jan. 1-2, 2023, Jalen Thomas Kelley forcibly raped and assaulted the victim, who was a minor at the time, aboard the Carnival Legend. The cruise vessel was scheduled to return to Baltimore Jan. 2.
Prosecutors presented testimony from six other people who claimed Kelley sexually assaulted them on separate occasions.
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After a two-week trial, Kelley was found guilty of aggravated sexual abuse, sexual abuse and assault within the territorial jurisdiction.
“Sexual violence is a horrific violation of personal autonomy and will not be tolerated. We will hold perpetrators accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Erek Barron. “This verdict should send a message to survivors that they are heard, validated and supported.”
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Kelley faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.
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