FBI arrests Jacksonville man in Carnival Cruise sexual abuse allegation

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A Jacksonville man has been arrested and accused of sexual abuse on a cruise ship, the FBI Jacksonville Division announced Friday.

Brian Holland, 23, is accused of sexually abusing a woman with special needs on the Carnival Elation cruise ship, according to FBI Jacksonville's press release.

The woman and a relative of hers reported the incident Tuesday, the same day they said it happened. They said Holland made unwanted sexual advances while on board the ship.

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The woman told authorities she was in a Jacuzzi with Holland when he kept trying to put his arm around her.

The woman said she tried to move away from him. Holland then allegedly tried to put his hand on her shoulder and pull her back toward him.

The woman said Holland touched her on her genitals over her bathing suit and then under her bathing suit, digitally penetrating her by force.

The woman left the Jacuzzi and told her family what happened.

Her family then reported the incident to ship security. The FBI was later notified of the incident.

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Medical personnel on the ship examined the woman and found abrasions on her genitals.

FBI investigators and the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office arrested Holland once the ship returned Thursday morning to its Jacksonville port.

Holland was taken into federal custody and held overnight at the Duval County Jail, FBI officials said.

The Florida Department of Justice said Holland faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and a potential lifetime of supervision.

Holland made his first appearance in federal court Thursday. He was temporarily detained pending a detention hearing on March 6.

Cox Media Group