Federal Judge Dismisses Civil Lawsuit in Navy Rape Accusation

A civil lawsuit filed by Elsie Dominguez, a civilian engineer under a U.S. Navy command, has been dismissed by a U.S. federal judge. The lawsuit stemmed from an alleged rape aboard the USNS Carson City in December 2021. The incident was reclassified as a worker’s compensation claim related to her professional duties.

In November 2023, Dominguez accused the captain, Yamil Sanchez Padilla, of raping her while she served on the ship. Efforts to pursue criminal charges were made, but none were filed. The U.S. Coast Guard’s investigation confirmed a sexual act occurred without consent, yet it did not lead to criminal charges.

The Legal Challenge

The civil claim targeted the U.S. government to push for systemic safety changes. However, Judge Edward Kiel ruled without determining if a rape occurred. The Coast Guard investigation concluded after Sanchez Padilla surrendered his credential, avoiding further legal proceedings.

This case sparked debate over the adequacy of workers’ compensation for workplace sexual assault allegations. Dominguez’s complaint sought back pay, front pay, and compensatory damages. She aimed to prevent others from enduring similar experiences.

Workers’ Compensation Ruling

The case was paused in July 2024 after the government referenced a 1952 Supreme Court case that limited civilian mariner claims to work-related injuries. Dominguez’s attorneys reported in May 2026 that her claim was accepted by the Office of Workers’ Compensation Program as a valid work-related injury. Despite disagreeing with this determination, Dominguez chose not to appeal, and the case was dismissed.

Attorney Christine Dunn highlighted the hardship of pursuing similar legal cases against the military. Other sexual assault allegations have also been treated as workers’ compensation claims through the FECA process.

Captain’s Status and Investigation

Padilla continued to work for the Military Sealift Command during initial investigations. Dominguez’s reporting led to subsequent Navy and Coast Guard investigations, with Padilla eventually being removed from service in March 2025 after the Coast Guard filed an administrative complaint.

The Coast Guard’s decision not to prosecute allowed Padilla to voluntarily surrender his license, putting an end to legal action without a trial. While he can no longer captain a ship, he might reapply for his license eventually.

Details of the Allegations

Dominguez’s complaint described her initial professional relationship with Padilla as cordial. The alleged incident occurred after a social outing in Italy in December 2021. Dominguez suspected she had been drugged following a night out with Padilla and other shipmates. Upon returning to her stateroom, she alleged waking to find him assaulting her.

She reported the incident the next day and received apologies from Padilla. Despite feeling unsafe, she remained on the ship until a deadbolt was installed on her stateroom door months later.

Dominguez accused the U.S. government of enabling Padilla’s actions by not preventing access to her room and failing to offer proper reporting procedures or medical support.

Now, Dominguez returned to work with the Military Sealift Command. She persists in her career despite the traumatic experience and aims to heal emotionally from the ordeal.