Disney Cruise Line employee Oliver Lovatt is going to trial this month for allegedly fondling a 10-year-old boy aboard a ship back in April.

Lovatt, 25, a native of England, is charged with two counts of lewd and lascivious battery on a child under the age of 12. He was ordered held without bond while awaiting trial. The press did not name an attorney for him.

According to Miami-Dade police, Lovatt was hired by Disney Cruise Line to entertain kids aboard the Disney Magic. The cruise ship offers themed activities for kids aged 3 and 12, sources indicate.

The alleged battery occurred in April while the Disney Magic was out at sea. Lovatt is accused of fondling a 10-year-old boy’s genitals outside of his clothing while playing a game. He blindfolded the victim and spun him around as part of the game before he touched him.

The victim told police that Lovatt later sat next to him while he was building a house of cards. As Lovatt allegedly moved his hand near him, the boy covered his penis, afraid he’d be touched again. Lovatt then purportedly placed his hand over the victim’s hand and tried to touch him once more, the arrest report states.

Both of the incidents were captured by the ship’s surveillance cameras, investigators said. Lovatt has allegedly confessed to fondling the boy, according to the arrest report.

Online records show that Lovatt is an actor, singer, and dancer who was trained at the Arden School of Theatre in Manchester, England. He is a native of England, but he has a residence in Orlando.

A spokesperson for Disney Cruise Line released the following statement:

“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.”

Lovatt’s trial is scheduled to begin on October 28. Miami-Dade police believe there may be other victims and are asking anyone with information to contact their office.

Lewd and lascivious battery of a minor under the age of 12 is a serious offense with harsh penalties that include up to 30 years or even life in prison depending on the circumstances of the case.

Just like any other criminal case, the prosecution has the burden to prove all the elements beyond and to the exclusion of any reasonable doubt. Defenses to sex crimes vary greatly from case to case. It is crucial for anyone charged with lewd and lascivious battery to hire an experienced attorney who can help them navigate the criminal justice system, and ensure their case gets the best possible outcome.

South Florida Lewd or Lascivious Battery Attorney

If you have been charged with a sex offense, then you should hire an attorney. Contact us to set up a free initial consultation and work with one of Florida’s most experienced lewd or lascivious battery attorneys.

Source: 10.11.19 Disney cruise ‘youth host’ accused of fondling boy aboard ship.pdf