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Captain Merrone Pleads Guilty, Faces 20-Year Sentence

7/16/2026

46 10 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Captain John Merrone pleaded guilty on July 15, 2026 to drugging and raping a 21-year-old USMMA cadet.
He admitted five counts, and said the assault occurred on September 9, 2019 aboard the Liberty Glory after dosing the cadet.
The proceedings resulted in prosecutors seeking a 15- to 20-year term with sentencing on December 22, 2026 and the Merchant Marine Academy suspending its Sea Year program in 2021 after an assault.

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Story summary

Captain John Merrone pleaded guilty on July 15, 2026 to drugging and raping a 21-year-old USMMA cadet.
He admitted five counts, and said the assault occurred on September 9, 2019 aboard the Liberty Glory after dosing the cadet.
The proceedings resulted in prosecutors seeking a 15- to 20-year term with sentencing on December 22, 2026 and the Merchant Marine Academy suspending its Sea Year program in 2021 after an assault.