Independence of the Seas: Miami-Bound Cruise Ship Faces Child Sex Abuse Scandal

Two Mexican nationals, Ricardo Daniel Mondragon Leal (37) and Jose Juan Prudencio Diaz (36), are facing serious charges in South Florida after allegedly sexually assaulting a 14-year-old boy aboard the Royal Caribbean ship, Independence of the Seas.

The incidents reportedly occurred on March 20, while the men were in the sauna on the cruise. According to arrest reports from the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, Diaz is accused of exposing himself and forcing the boy to touch him, while Mondragon Leal is alleged to have performed similar acts, including forcing the boy to engage in oral sex.

The two men were arrested when the ship docked at PortMiami on March 21. They face multiple charges, including lewd and lascivious exhibition and molestation of a child. Additionally, Diaz has been charged with failing to disclose his HIV status to the victim, and he is currently held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. Mondragon Leal, who faces a count of child sexual battery, is at the Metrowest Detention Center. Both are being held without bond and are subject to immigration holds.

For more information on incidents involving the Independence of the Seas, you can visit the ship’s CruiseMinus page.

Set sail on a voyage of discovery with CruiseShip.net – your ultimate destination for all things cruising! Explore the latest news, insightful reviews, and thrilling cruising adventures from around the globe. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or a first-time traveler, CruiseShip.net is your go-to source for expert advice, insider tips, and inspiring stories to fuel your wanderlust. Embark on a journey like no other with CruiseShip.net – where every wave brings new excitement and endless possibilities on the high seas.