Mexican Nationals Charged in Cruise Sexual Assault

Two Mexican nationals, Ricardo Daniel Mondragon Leal, 37, and Jose Juan Prudencio Diaz, 36, were arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a 14-year-old boy in a sauna aboard Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Seas cruise ship, which was headed for Miami. Both men face charges of lewd and lascivious molestation, with Mondragon also charged with sexual battery and Diaz additionally charged for failing to disclose his HIV status. The alleged incident occurred a day before the ship docked at PortMiami, where the men were taken into custody. Both suspects are being held without bond in Miami, with immigration holds placed on them due to their status as Mexican nationals. The Royal Caribbean Group has stated that they are taking the allegations seriously and are cooperating with law enforcement. The defendants have pleaded not guilty, with Diaz invoking his right to counsel and Mondragon claiming the acts were consensual.