A federal jury in Fort Lauderdale has found Brent Arthur Gilpin, 48, of Palm Coast, guilty of attempted sexual abuse and abusive sexual contact aboard a cruise ship.
According to court records and evidence presented during the trial, Gilpin encountered a 21-year-old woman at a casino bar on the cruise. The victim became heavily intoxicated within about 45 minutes, eventually losing the ability to stand and falling twice. Surveillance footage showed Gilpin assisting her to her feet before seating her on his lap in a casino chair and fondling her. While the woman was unconscious, video captured Gilpin attempting to digitally penetrate her.
“Sexual predators look for vulnerability,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida. “This defendant exploited an incapacitated young woman aboard a cruise ship, believing he could take advantage of her condition without consequence. Cruise ships are meant to be places of recreation and safety, not exploitation. The evidence showed he targeted a woman who was unconscious and unable to protect herself. That conduct is criminal and unacceptable. The jury saw the evidence and delivered justice. Our Office will continue to prosecute sexual abuse aggressively, whether it occurs on land or at sea.”
Gilpin was convicted of attempted sexual abuse—which carries a potential sentence of up to life in federal prison—and abusive sexual contact, which can result in up to three years’ imprisonment. Sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge after reviewing relevant guidelines and statutory factors.
The case was investigated by FBI Miami Field Office, with prosecution led by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brianna Coakley and Daniel Rosenfeld.
Further details about this case can be found on the District Court for the Southern District of Florida’s website at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or via http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case number 24-cr-20556.
