Kentucky Moms Allege Being Drugged and Raped by Resort Staff in the Bahamas Despite Travel Warning
Two moms from Kentucky are speaking out after they were allegedly drugged and raped during their vacation in the Bahamas. Amber Shearer and Dongayla Dobson had embarked on their first kid-free vacation, hoping for a relaxing and enjoyable experience. However, their trip took a horrific turn when they were assaulted by resort staff members. Despite the recent travel warning issued by the United States, the women are now urging other women to be cautious when traveling to popular vacation destinations.
The incident occurred on Grand Bahama beach after the Carnival cruise ship they were on docked in the island country. While at the beach, a resort staffer offered them a two-for-one drink deal, which they accepted. They even took photos of the tropical drinks in a pineapple and a coconut. However, shortly after consuming the drinks, Shearer and Dobson began to feel extremely intoxicated. Videos sent to their loved ones back home showed them in a highly intoxicated state just 15 minutes after their first sips.
Realizing that something was wrong, the women attempted to find seashells on the beach when a male resort staffer offered to show them the best spot. Unfortunately, the next thing Shearer could recall was waking up while being assaulted by a uniformed male resort staffer. The traumatic incident has left both women deeply affected, with Shearer breaking down as she recounted her experience.
Bahamian authorities and resort staff were able to identify the two men responsible for the assault through surveillance footage. The police promptly arrested them but were accused of mishandling the case by the victims. Shearer and Dobson claim that the local authorities did not administer proper rape test kits despite their pleas for justice.
To add to their distress, toxicology tests conducted on the moms revealed traces of various drugs in their systems, including benzodiazepines. Surprisingly, they had almost no alcohol in their bodies, raising further suspicions about the drugging. The women are now receiving medical care and have started the legal process to seek justice.
The incident has raised concerns about safety in the Bahamas, especially since the United States had issued a travel warning for the country. The warning came after a significant increase in gang-related murders in the Bahamas. The US embassy urged travelers to exercise extreme caution, particularly in the eastern side of Nassau, the capital city. However, Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Davis reassured tourists that the government was proactive in keeping the country welcoming and safe for travelers.
Similarly, Jamaica also faced a travel warning after a surge in murders. The US Embassy in Jamaica upgraded its travel advisory to a Level 3, urging travelers to reconsider their plans. Despite these warnings, both the Bahamian and Jamaican tourism boards maintain that their countries are safe for tourists.
Back in Kentucky, Shearer and Dobson are angry with Carnival Cruises for failing to inform them about the travel advisory until after their assault. The women argue that if they had been aware of the warning, they may have been more cautious and avoided the tragic incident. Their lawyer is now working to ensure that justice is served.
The incident serves as a reminder for all travelers, especially women, to remain vigilant and cautious when visiting popular vacation destinations. While such incidents are rare, it is crucial to prioritize personal safety and be aware of any relevant travel warnings or advisories.
