Former Disney Cruise Line Worker Arrested – Accused of Molesting Child Aboard Ship
Authorities have arrested a former Disney cruise lines worker under suspicion of molesting a child who was under his custody aboard the ship.
24-year-old Oliver Lovatt allegedly molested the 10-year-old victim while the victim sailed aboard the Disney Magic cruise ship. Lovatt was working as a youth entertainment host at the time of the alleged incident.
ABC15.com reports that the alleged incident occurred on April 28 at approximately 10:30 p.m. while the victim was playing inside the Oceaneer Kids Lab. During a game, the alleged victim says that Lovatt blindfolded him and fondled his genitals outside of his clothing. Later during the game the victim alleges that Lovatt “proceeded to place his hand over the victim’s hand, attempting to fondle his [private parts] again.”
The entire incident was reportedly captured on surveillance camera. Authorities say that Lovatt confessed to the molestation and was arrested and taken to Guilford Knight Correctional Center in Miami-Dade County. He faces charges of lewd and lascivious molestation.
In a statement about the arrest Disney Cruise Line said “We have zero tolerance for this type of unacceptable behavior. When we became aware of the allegation, it was reported to law enforcement and the crew member was removed from duty permanently.”
But this statement flies in the face of several troubling events involving children aboard Disney Cruise Line ships, notably one in which a Disney Cruise Line employee kissed a young girl in an elevator aboard a DCL ship, and the company waited until the ship was in international waters to report it, assuring that U.S. authorities would not be able to arrest the alleged perpetrator.
Attorney John H. (Jack) Hickey and his team handle a wide range of cases, including but not limited to cruise ship accidents, admiralty and maritime accident cases, medical malpractice, wrongful death, premises liability, railroad accidents and car accidents. We represent victims from all over the nation, the world and the state of Florida.