Man Sentenced to Prison After Biting Girlfriend Aboard New York Cruise Ship

A Maine man has received a 12-month federal prison sentence after pleading guilty to assaulting his then-girlfriend aboard an international cruise ship in December 2024. John Kelleher, 46, of Brewer, assaulted the victim by punching and biting her during an argument in their shared cabin while the Malta-registered vessel operated under federal maritime jurisdiction. Court records reveal Kelleher was serving state probation at the time, with explicit restrictions prohibiting him from leaving Maine or consuming alcohol. He violated both conditions when he boarded the cruise departing from New York City and drank heavily during the voyage. The victim sustained a black eye, bruises, and bite marks she documented photographically. Beyond prison time, Kelleher must complete one year of supervised release and pay $360 in restitution. Federal authorities did not disclose the cruise line or ship involved. Originally reported by Cruise Hive, Lissa Poirot (June 10, 2026).