Carnival crew member charged with sexual assault
A Carnival crew member has been detained on allegations of sexually assaulting a teen aboard the Carnival Valor ship.
Steward Yovany Suazo-Batiz, 46, made a first court appearance Sunday and was formally held on lewd and lascivious molestation and sexual battery of a person under 16.
The Honduran national is being held on a $135,000 bond at Brevard County Jail.
Suazo-Batiz had initially been detained on the ship by the victim’s father after the teen reported inappropriate contact and was turned over to Carnival’s onboard security team.
The Carnival Valor reported the incident ahead of arrival and Suazo-Batiz was placed in the custody of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office at Port Canaveral.
Carnival issued a brief statement saying it informed the police and FBI immediately on hearing of the allegations.
"We extend our appreciation to both federal and local law enforcement agencies for their support and are continuing to provide Care Team assistance to the alleged victim."
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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