BALTIMORE, Md. — U.S. District Judge Julie R. Rubin sentenced Jalen Thomas Kelley, 22, of Abingdon, Maryland, to 20 years in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release on May 1, 2025, for aggravated sexual abuse, sexual abuse, and assault aboard the Carnival Legend cruise ship. After a two-week trial, a federal jury convicted Kelley on December 12, 2024, as announced by U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes and FBI Baltimore Field Office Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno.
Evidence presented at trial revealed that between January 1 and January 2, 2023, Kelley forcibly raped and assaulted a victim, referred to as Victim 1, on the Carnival Legend, which was scheduled to return to Baltimore on January 2. Prosecutors also introduced testimony from six other individuals who alleged Kelley sexually assaulted them on separate occasions, highlighting a pattern of predatory behavior. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sean R. Delaney and Colleen Elizabeth McGuinn prosecuted the case.
“This case was a significant step in addressing sexual violence and holding perpetrators accountable,” Hayes said, commending the FBI and assisting agencies, including the Harford County State’s Attorney’s Office, Harford County Sheriff’s Office, Union County, North Carolina, District Attorney’s Office, Wingate University Campus Safety, and Wingate Police Department. The collaborative effort underscored the gravity of the offenses and the commitment to justice for victims.
The conviction is part of Project Safe Childhood, a Department of Justice initiative launched in May 2006 to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. The program, led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, coordinates federal, state, and local resources to apprehend and prosecute offenders and rescue victims. More information about Project Safe Childhood is available at www.justice.gov/psc, where resources on internet safety education can be found under the “Resources” tab.
Kelley’s 20-year sentence reflects the severity of his crimes and the danger he posed to the community. The additional five years of supervised release aims to ensure ongoing oversight upon his release. The case highlights the challenges of addressing sexual violence in unique environments like cruise ships, where jurisdiction and coordination between agencies are critical.
The FBI’s investigation, supported by multiple law enforcement partners, was pivotal in securing the conviction. The testimony from additional victims strengthened the prosecution’s case, demonstrating Kelley’s repeated offenses. The sentence sends a clear message about the consequences of such crimes, particularly in settings where victims may feel vulnerable.
Victims of sexual abuse or exploitation are encouraged to contact local authorities or visit www.justice.gov/psc for support and resources. The Baltimore community, alongside federal and local agencies, continues to prioritize efforts to protect vulnerable individuals and ensure justice for survivors of sexual violence.
