Samantha Romero
Date: January 12, 1997
Cruise Bruise: Alleged Drugging and Sexual Assault
Bruise Location: Aruba
Age: Unknown
Home Town: Texas
Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines
Ship:
Maritime Attorney: Herb Schwartz
Details:
Samantha says, the couple did order drinks from headwaiter Ashton Sylvester, in the dining room, who brought Samantha an iced tea and her husband Tony a rum punch.
According to Samantha, Tony crumpled to the floor while they took the elevator back to their cabin.
When the elevator door opened, Samantha says she saw Sylvester, who offered to help her bring Tony back to the cabin
Sylvester allegedly deposited Tony by the side of the bed and left. Samantha removed her clothes and went to bed.
Samantha says whe woke up, groggy, with a man inside her, that she believed was Sylvester, and at that time he zipped his pants, and exited the room. Tony, was still out of it.
According to Samantha, the next morning she told Tony, and went to the ship's doctor. There, they discourage a rape kit, telling her to have it done in San Juan.
In San Juan, they refused to do a rape kit and investigation, saying they had no jurisidcition.
The couple came home and saw an attorney.
Requested damages were $15,000
The case went to court, and after both sides presented their case, the suit was settled by Carnival, out of court.
Sylvester was never arrested for the alleged assault; he is still employed by Carnival
Cruise Ship Sexual Assault
Samantha Romero - Sexual Assault Victim
Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines - January 12, 1997
