SIU Apprentice Sexually Assaulted Aboard USNS 2nd Lt John P Bobo
November 11, 2022 · U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida
- Case Title:
- Jane Doe (D.M) vs. Unites States of America, Crowley Maritime Corp., Et. Al.
- Case Type:
- Maritime Sexual AssaultMaritime Sexual HarassmentUnseaworthinessJones Act NegligenceNegligent Hiring & SupervisionFailure to Provide a Safe Work EnvironmentFailure to Provide Maintenance and CureFailure to TreatGeneral Negligence
- Filed in:
- U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida
- Attorneys:
- Ryan Melogy
Case Summary
Plaintiff Jane Doe (D.M.) was a 21-year-old student in the SIU’s Unlicensed Apprentice Program, required to complete 200 days at sea as part of her union training program. She was assigned to the USNS 2nd LT John P. Bobo, a vessel owned by the U.S. government and operated by Crowley Maritime under a Military Sealift Command contract. Once onboard, her direct supervisor—a 40-year-old Chief Steward—allegedly began targeting her with unwanted sexual advances, isolating her from other crew, and attempting to enter her cabin. His behavior, reportedly fueled by alcohol, was allegedly open and obvious to others but went unchecked by the crew and company leadership. On November 11, 2022, the complaint alleges the Chief Steward lured Jane Doe (D.M) ashore under the pretense of provisioning duties, plied her with alcohol, and took her to a hotel where he raped her. Jane Doe reported the incident the following morning and requested medical and law enforcement assistance. Crowley moved to dismiss the case on the grounds that because the USNS 2nd Lt John P Bobo was owned by the United States of America, the United States was the proper defendant. After filing an amended complaint naming the United States as a Defendant, Plaintiff agreed to a Joint Stipulation to dismiss the case without prejudice so that it could be re-filed against the United States in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. However, before the case was refiled, an out of court resolution was achieved.
Procedural History
- November 2022: Plaintiff allegedly sexually assaulted while serving aboard USNS 2nd Lt John P Bobo.
- November 2023: Complaint filed.
- January 2024: Seaman’s Amended Complaint filed. Amended Complaint adds the United States of America as a Defendant.
- March 2024: Stipulation of Dismissal Without Prejudice filed by Jane Doe (D.M.)
- November 2024: Out of court resolution achieved between parties.