A U.S. federal judge recently dismissed a lawsuit from Elsie Dominguez, a civilian engineer under a U.S. Navy command, following her accusation of rape as a case deemed to fit under worker’s compensation. Her lawsuit, filed in November 2023, claimed that she was raped by the captain aboard the USNS Carson City in December 2021.
Her attorney, Christine Dunn, noted that Dominguez initially attempted to pursue criminal charges, although these were not ultimately pursued. While the U.S. Coast Guard conducted an investigation and found that the captain engaged in a sexual act when Dominguez could not consent, criminal charges were not brought against him.
Federal Judge Edward Kiel did not make a determination regarding the occurrence of rape. Instead, the Coast Guard investigation concluded after the captain, Yamil Sanchez Padilla, surrendered his credential. This act allowed the investigation to close without a formal judgment on the claims.
The dismissal brings into question the adequacy of worker’s compensation as a remedy for workplace sexual assault cases. Dominguez’s civil claim targeted the U.S. government, aiming to effect institutional change. She sought back pay, front pay, and compensatory damages, accusing the government of insufficient preventive measures against such assaults.
Initially paused in July 2024, her case encountered the argument that the 1952 U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Johansen v. United States limited damage recovery for civilian mariners to the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA). Dominguez’s attorneys reported in May 2026 that her worker’s compensation claim was accepted, although Dominguez herself disagreed with the determination that her assault constituted a work-related injury.
By August 2026, Dominguez opted not to appeal, leading to the case’s dismissal. Dunn pointed out the challenges in bringing cases against military entities and noted that several previous sexual assault cases have been similarly categorized as worker’s compensation issues.
Dominguez shared her ordeal with military publication Stars and Stripes, expressing her hope to set a legal precedent for future protection. Despite feeling unsupported by some peers, she pursued the case to avoid repeat occurrences for others.
Regarding the accused, Sanchez Padilla continued working with the Military Sealift Command during subsequent investigations by the Navy’s law enforcement agencies. Allegations against Padilla include indifference from authorities to Dominguez’s initial reports, as well as late recognition by official military and naval investigative services.
In February 2024, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service began investigating the rape allegation. By March 2025, Sanchez Padilla faced removal from service following an administrative complaint by the Coast Guard.
The Coast Guard, which licenses mariners, found it significant that Sanchez Padilla surrendered his license. However, this action restricts direct consequences since he can reapply for it.
Dominguez was described as a “high-performing graduate” who viewed her position on the Carson City as a dream job, which quickly turned into a “nightmare.” Before the alleged assault aboard the USNS Carson City, she had known the captain from prior service on the USNS Spearhead.
The relationship was reportedly friendly, but professional. However, during her first month on the Carson City, the captain allegedly attempted to initiate an unwanted romantic and sexual relationship, culminating in the alleged assault in December 2021.
After a social outing that same month, Dominguez recalled feeling incapacitated, believing she was drugged. Upon gaining consciousness, she reported the distressing experience of being assaulted. Despite this, following the incident, she continued her work on the ship, grappling with a lingering sense of insecurity.
The complaint accused the captain of exploiting his access to her room and emphasized his history of alcohol abuse, arguing that the government failed to ensure her safety.
Dominguez, now back with the Military Sealift Command after taking time to recover emotionally, continues to seek healing from the events aboard the Carson City.