Youth counselor on Celebrity Cruises confesses to child molestation
OAN’s Abril Elfi
3:59 PM – Thursday, December 7, 2023
A shocking revelation has emerged regarding a former employee of Celebrity Cruises who has admitted to sexually abusing multiple children while on duty.
An FBI affidavit has revealed that Chris John Petino Castor, a youth counselor, confessed to molesting several young children at the ship’s youth center.
According to the affidavit filed in federal court in Florida, a 6-year-old girl reported to her parents that Castor had inappropriately touched her “private parts” on November 27th. The parents immediately informed the authorities.
Upon returning to the “Camp at Sea” youth center, the girl and her parents informed the program manager about the disturbing incident.
During a forensic interview, the girl also disclosed that Castor had touched her inappropriately while she was playing a video game, stating that he touched her “where the pee comes from.”
The affidavit, signed by special agent M. Alexandra Montilla, states that Castor admitted to the sexual abuse of other children under his care at the Youth Center. Shockingly, he intentionally hid his acts from the Youth Center’s security cameras.
“He also admitted to the inappropriate sexual touching of other minor children that were in his care at the Youth Center, on multiple occasions, while consciously hiding his acts from the Youth Center’s security cameras,” the affidavit stated.
The affidavit further explains that although the specific actions cannot be seen in the footage from the youth center, the captured video is consistent with the victim’s statement, showing Castor’s hand reaching into her lap near her vaginal area.
Castor confessed to inappropriately touching at least three other children, making skin-to-skin contact in some cases.
The youth counselor has been charged in federal court with abusive sexual contact of a minor under 12 and is scheduled to appear in court for a bond hearing on Friday.
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How can the cruise industry improve its policies and training programs to prevent incidents of child abuse on board?
Ewsletter.
Following the shocking revelation, Celebrity Cruises released a statement expressing their utmost concern and commitment to the safety and well-being of their passengers, especially children. They emphasized that the former employee has been immediately terminated and is no longer associated with the company.
“We are deeply disturbed by the alleged actions of this former employee and extend our sincerest apologies to the victims and their families. We have been fully cooperating with law enforcement throughout this investigation, and we will continue to do so to ensure that justice is served,” the statement read.
The incident has raised significant questions about the hiring and vetting process for employees in positions of trust, specifically those who work directly with children. Celebrity Cruises has stated that they will be reviewing and revising their screening procedures to strengthen their safeguards against such incidents in the future.
The safety and security of passengers should always be the top priority for cruise ship companies. Parents and guardians should feel confident that their children are in a safe environment while onboard these vessels. It is crucial for cruise companies to implement rigorous background checks, thorough training, and extensive supervision for employees who interact with minors.
Sadly, this incident is a reminder of the importance of awareness and vigilance when it comes to child safety, not only on cruise ships but in all environments. It is essential for parents, guardians, and authorities to work together to protect children from any form of abuse.
The courage of the young victim and her parents in coming forward and reporting the abuse is commendable. It is through their bravery that the perpetrator has been brought to justice and will face the consequences of his actions.
As this case moves forward, it is crucial for the legal system to ensure a fair and thorough investigation and trial, providing support to the victims and their families throughout the process.
Authorities, society, and the cruise industry must learn from this tragic incident and take proactive measures to prevent any further occurrences. Strict policies, ongoing training, and increased awareness will help create a safer environment for all passengers, especially children, on cruise ships.
Ultimately, the responsibility lies with the cruise companies to uphold the highest standards of safety and to prioritize the protection of all passengers, particularly vulnerable children, at all times.
Only through a collective effort, with strict regulations and continuous vigilance, can we ensure the safety and well-being of everyone who steps foot on a cruise ship.
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