A former police officer from Detroit, Benjamin Wagner, has been charged with multiple counts of serial rape. Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy announced these charges, which include five counts of rape, during a recent press conference. Wagner, a retired sergeant, is accused of sexually assaulting five women at gunpoint while he was on duty between 1999 and 2003.
Allegations Against Wagner
According to Prosecutor Worthy, the assaults occurred in various locations on Detroit’s northwest side. The victims, aged between 15 and 23, were often targeted while walking to school, returning home from work, or heading to a friend’s house. All incidents took place during early morning hours.
- The assaults occurred between 1999 and 2003.
- The victims were aged 15 to 23.
- All incidents involved Wagner threatening his victims with a gun.
Previous Allegations and Acquittal
Wagner’s history includes a previous trial in 2002, where he was acquitted of five counts of first-degree sexual assault that involved accusations from his stepdaughter. Following this verdict, he returned to active duty until his retirement in 2017.
After retiring, Wagner relocated to Greenville, South Carolina, where he was arrested recently. Following his arrest, he waived extradition back to Michigan. He faces serious charges, including kidnapping and first- and third-degree criminal sexual conduct, which could result in life imprisonment.
Investigative Breakthrough
In 2010, DNA linked to the assaults was discovered. The Michigan State Police identified DNA from an unknown male, which was not in the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). In August 2023, the FBI received a tip, leading to Wagner’s identification as the potential suspect.
Worthy detailed a timeline of the assaults, highlighting key events:
| Date | Victim Age | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 10, 1999 | 17 | 18500 block of Wyoming | Assaulted at gunpoint after getting off bus. |
| Jan 31, 2000 | 23 | 19800 block of Florence | Assaulted on way to store. |
| Sept 28, 2000 | 15 | 19800 block of Florence | Assaulted on way to school. |
| Nov 19, 2000 | 20 | 8500 block of W. McNichols | Attacked while leaving friend’s home. |
| Apr 15, 2003 | 16 | N/A | Assaulted near a bus stop. |
Ongoing Investigation and Support
The Wayne County Sexual Assault Kit Task Force has been instrumental in addressing older cases. The task force was established following the discovery of over 11,000 untested sexual assault kits in 2009. Any additional victims are encouraged to contact the Detroit Police Sex Crimes Unit at (313) 596-1950.
Wagner’s arraignment is set for March 26 in Detroit’s 36th District Court, with his expected return to Michigan noted for March 24. The case illustrates the diligence of law enforcement and the unyielding pursuit of justice for victims of sexual crimes.
