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Disney cruise ship employee accused of molesting teen denied bond

PORT CANAVERAL, Fla. — A Disney cruise ship employee accused of molesting a 13-year-old girl on the Disney Dream was denied bond Friday because he’s considered a flight risk.

Channel 9 learned the cruise line called Port Canaveral police to the ship Thursday morning, and police arrested 36-year-old Ahmed Sofyan.

A representative for Port Canaveral police told Channel 9's Melonie Holt that the cruise line has cooperated fully in the investigation.

The Brevard County Sheriff's Office was also called to assist port investigators.

Sofyan is charged with two counts of lewd and lascivious molestation and one count of false imprisonment.

According to reports, the Disney cruise line employee knew the victim was 13 and confessed to “fondling and kissing” her.

He also said he knew his behavior was wrong.

Reports stated the incident happened in an unoccupied cabin, and she only got away when she told him her parents would be looking for her.

“I’m kind of surprised because I knew Disney specializes in families, and safety for families,” said tourist Jon Budden.

On Thursday, Karl Holz, president of Disney Cruise Lines, sent a statement to Channel 9:

"We have no tolerance whatsoever for the behavior alleged in this incident. We are sorry that anything of this nature could have occurred on one of our ships. We place enormous value on the trust our guests have in us, and nothing is more important to us than the safety and security of each and every one of our guests."

Cruise line officials said Sofyan, who is from Jakarta, Indonesia, has been fired.

He's currently being held in the Brevard County Jail.