A Georgia man has been arrested on charges of child abuse following an alleged incident aboard a Carnival cruise ship. David Lawrence Crosby II, 44, of Surrency, Georgia, was arrested on July 27, facing two counts of child abuse, according to Brevard County Sheriff's Office booking records.
The alleged assault occurred on July 26 aboard the Carnival Glory, a ship that sails from Port Canaveral, Florida. According to a probable cause affidavit, Crosby, described as heavily intoxicated, encountered a group of children playing tag in a hallway. He is accused of striking one child in the face, causing a bloody lip and head pain, and then striking a second child in the stomach.
Carnival Cruise Line stated that its security team responded immediately to the incident. "The guest was confined to his cabin for the remainder of the voyage, referred to local law enforcement upon arrival in Port Canaveral, assessed a code of conduct violation fee, and placed on our Do Not Sail list," a Carnival spokesperson said. "We have zero tolerance for this type of behavior."
Security camera footage reportedly captured the alleged assault. When questioned by officers after his arrest, Crosby stated he was heavily intoxicated and did not recall the incident, according to authorities.
Crosby was released from jail after posting a $20,000 bond. He appeared in court on Wednesday and pleaded not guilty to the charges. His arraignment is scheduled for August 25.