Ex-Captain Pleads Guilty in USMMA Cadet Sexual Assault Case

A former ship captain has pleaded guilty to drugging and sexually assaulting a 21-year-old U.S. Merchant Marine Academy cadet while she was completing her Sea Year training aboard the *Liberty Glory. *

John Merrone, 53, entered his guilty plea in federal court in Brooklyn on Wednesday, moments before his trial was set to begin. He admitted to having non-consensual sex with the cadet after causing her to lose consciousness with an intoxicating substance during a 2019 voyage from Bahrain to Corpus Christi.

The victim, referred to in court as Jane Doe, had been prepared to testify. Prosecutors were also expected to present testimony from several other women who have accused Merrone of sexual assault over a period spanning 30 years.

Merrone pleaded guilty to five criminal counts, including aggravated sexual abuse and abusive sexual contact. Although he could receive a life sentence, federal sentencing guidelines suggest a prison term of approximately 15 to 19 years. He is due to be sentenced on December 22.

According to prosecutors, while serving as master of the 190-meter Liberty Glory, Merrone invited the cadet and another student to his cabin for drinks on September 9, 2019. Both women later reported having no memory of what happened that evening. The cadet said she woke the next morning feeling nauseous, with a headache and vaginal pain, and discovered that her trousers and underwear were missing. Merrone later told her they had “fun”, offered her money, and returned the underwear she had been wearing.

U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella said the guilty plea ensured Merrone was being held responsible for his “despicable conduct” however, Merrone has been allowed to remain free on bail while awaiting sentencing.

The case has once again drawn attention to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy’s Sea Year program, which places cadets aboard commercial ships for practical training. The program was suspended in both 2016 and 2021 following allegations of sexual abuse before later resuming with enhanced safety measures.

The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy said it continues to be committed to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for its midshipmen both onboard ships and on campus.