Florida Yacht Owner Charged with Rape After Alleged Assault of Young Crew Member in Nantucket

Christian Bradley Williams, a 54-year-old former submarine commander, faced three counts of rape and indecent assault after a 22-year-old deckhand alleged he drugged and forced himself on her aboard his yacht “Chimera” docked in Nantucket Harbor on Aug. 9. The assault allegedly occurred after Williams asked the employee to change into a dress, gave her cash for a restaurant bill, and later served a rum drink that left her dizzy.

Police reports say he pressed his body weight onto her, and forensic testing later confirmed male DNA. Williams was located, arrested and arraigned, pleading not guilty while being held on $50,000 cash bail; his attorney said his wife would bring the bail. The victim quit her job and reported the incident to her employer, Nantucket Launch Company, whose owner Max Shapiro disputed her account. The case is under investigation by Nantucket Police and the Massachusetts State Police.