By David Lohr

(Continued)

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In regard to the statement issued by Sheehan, Laurie made the following testimony before the subcommittee:

"These statements are false. In truth, the cruise line delayed notifying the FBI... The FBI did not receive written notice until the following morning. The cruise line delayed medical treatment until after I completed the statements... The cruise line delayed sealing my cabin... The only information (my medical records, statements, and the assailant's personnel file) was sent shortly before the cruise line's press statement."

California Congresswoman Doris O. Matsui also testified before the subcommittee, questioning the process of criminal investigations on cruise lines and the alleged lack of recourse available to passengers.

"The more I have inquired, the more I have been alarmed that there is no shortage of cases of rape, sexual assaults of minors, alcohol-related fighting and abuse, and persons overboard," Matsui said. "Even more troubling, most of these incidents have not been fully resolved or prosecuted. The onion, it seems, has only more layers to peel back.

Laurie Dishman

"Laurie's case was declined for prosecution under circumstances that strongly suggest federal authorities did not fully investigate her case. In addition, it appears that cruise industry representatives coached the alleged rapist in his testimony.

"I have since learned that there have been no convictions for rape cases on cruise lines in four decades. This is a statistic that takes on a new meaning through the lens of Laurie's experience."

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Contact David Lohr at  crimewriter74@adelphia.net

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