Trial of Former Cargo Ship Captain John Merrone Scheduled to Begin Wednesday in Brooklyn

Opening statements in the trial of former cargo ship captain John Merrone are scheduled to begin Wednesday in Brooklyn federal court. New York Post reported that Merrone nearly fell out of his wheelchair while heading to pre-trial proceedings on Tuesday. The former captain of the American-flagged cargo ship Liberty Glory faces charges of aggravated sexual abuse and other sex crimes.

Brooklyn federal prosecutors said the alleged incident occurred on September 9, 2019, aboard the Liberty Glory. Merrone invited the victim, referred to as Jane Doe #1, to his stateroom for a “soda,” a code for alcohol on the vessel where it was banned. He served the victim and another woman a drink from an already opened bottle.

The victim woke up the next morning wearing only a shirt and bra. She later confronted Merrone, who admitted he had “fun last night,” though she stated she had not consented to the encounter. The trial is expected to last two weeks.

Merrone faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted on the top charge.