Photo: Nicole Mastrogiannis
A college football player with a history of sexual assault incidents is accused of raping a 17-year-old girl on a Carnival Cruise ship.
Jalen Thomas Kelley, now 22, who played running back for Wingate University, was found guilty of aggravated sexual abuse, sexual abuse, and assault with the territorial jurisdiction, in relation to an incident that took place on the Carnival Legend vessel between January 1, and January 2, 2023, following a two-week trial, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Maryland announced in a news release published last week.
“Sexual violence is a horrific violation of personal autonomy and will not be tolerated. We will hold perpetrators accountable,” said Erek L. Barron, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland. “This verdict should send a message to survivors that they are heard, validated and supported.”
Evidence presented during the trial showed that Kelley forcibly raped and assaulted the victim, who was a minor at the time of the assault on the cruise, which was scheduled to return to Baltimore on January 2. Kelley was accused of having "forcibly raped" the teenager in his cabin on the cruise ship after pushing her "face first" onto the bed, with prosecutors claiming he “saw that (she) was intoxicated (by his own admission), realized she was vulnerable” and “took full advantage of the situation,” according to court documents obtained by the State.
“After raping (her), Kelley asked, ‘You good?'” the documents stated.
Six other individuals who claimed to have been sexually assaulted by Kelley on separate occasions came forward with testimonies during the trial, which included a prior conviction as a minor in a 2019 sexual assault case, according to prosecutors. Kelley faces a maximum sentence of life in prison, which will be determined by a federal district court judge, who will take into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, as well as 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 William J. DelBagno, FBI Baltimore Special Agent in Charge. “Today’s conviction reflects the unwavering resolve of the FBI to protect our communities and keep Americans safe.”