Detroit, MI – Former Detroit Police Sergeant Charged in Multiple Sexual Assault Cases Spanning Years
Wayne County Prosecutor Kym L. Worthy has charged a former Detroit Police sergeant in a series of violent sexual assault cases that span more than a decade.
Benjamin Wagner, 68, formerly of the Detroit Police Department and now living in North Carolina, is facing multiple felony charges, including kidnapping and first-degree criminal sexual conduct, in connection with five separate cases involving victims between the ages of 15 and 23.
According to prosecutors, the assaults occurred between 1999 and 2003 on Detroit’s northwest side, all within a roughly 5.5-mile radius of Wagner’s former home on Bentler Street.
A Pattern of Alleged Attacks
Authorities say Wagner used a consistent method in multiple cases, allegedly approaching victims on foot, displaying a handgun, and forcing them from the scene before sexually assaulting them.
The charges include:
• Multiple counts of kidnapping
• First-degree criminal sexual conduct (life offenses)
• Additional criminal sexual conduct charges involving minors
Several of the victims were teenagers at the time of the alleged assaults, including girls as young as 15.
❗A Then 17-Year-Old Female Victim, Location: Chalfonte Street and Mark Twain Street, Detroit, 48227
On November 10, 1999, after her work shift ended, the victim took a bus to a stop near the home of a friend and began walking. It is alleged that the defendant approached her, pointed a gun at her, ordered her from the scene, and sexually assaulted her.
Benjamin Wagner has been charged with one count of Kidnapping, one count of First-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct (Penis in Vagina), one count of First-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct (Fellatio), and one count of First-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct (Anal). * All of these charges are life offenses.
❗A Then 23-Year-Old Female Victim, Location: The 18400 Block of Wyoming Avenue, Detroit, 48221
On January 31, 2000, the victim left her home to go to the store. As she was walking, it is alleged that Defendant Wagner walked toward her quickly and pointed a gun at her head. It is then alleged he ordered her from the scene and sexually assaulted her.
Benjamin Wagner has been charged with one count of Kidnapping, one count of First-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct (Penis in Vagina). * Both of these charges are life offenses.
❗A Then 15-Year-Old Female Victim, Location: The 19800 Block of Florence Street, Detroit, 48219
On September 28, 2000, the victim was on her way to school. As she was walking towards a bus stop, it isa alleged that Defendant Wagner grabbed her arm and put a gun in her face. It is then alleged that he ordered her to move from the scene and sexually assaulted her.
Benjamin Wagner has been charged with one count of Kidnapping, one count of First-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct (Penis in Vagina), and one count of Third-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct (Person 13 to 15). * Kidnapping and First-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct charges are life offenses.
❗A Then 20-Year-Old Female Victim, Location: The 8500 Block of W. McNichols Road, Detroit, 48221
On November 19, 2000, the victim was walking from her friend’s home. It is alleged that Defendant Wagner walked past her and later attacked her from behind and put a gun to her back. It is further alleged that he removed her from the scene and sexually assaulted her.
Benjamin Wagner has been charged with one count of Kidnapping and one count of First-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct (Penis in Vagina) . * Both of these charges are life offenses.
❗A Then 16-Year-Old Female Victim, The 19000 Block of Ferguson Street, Detroit, 48235
On April 15, 2003, the victim was walking to a bus stop to catch a bus to school. It is alleged that Defendant Wagner approached her after he came out of an alley and removed her from the scene. It is further alleged that he produced a handgun and sexually assaulted her.
Benjamin Wagner has been charged with one count of Kidnapping, one count of First-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct (Penis in Vagina), and one count of First-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct (Fellatio). * All of these charges are life offenses.
Cold Case Breakthrough
The case remained unsolved for years.
In 2010, Michigan State Police identified an unknown male DNA profile connected to multiple assaults, but the suspect was not in the national DNA database.
That changed in August 2023 when the FBI developed a new investigative lead tied to five sexual assault kits.
By March 2026, investigators confirmed Wagner as the suspect in all five cases.
The arrest was carried out on March 17, 2026, in Greenville, North Carolina, with assistance from multiple agencies, including the FBI Detroit and Charlotte field offices.
Prosecutor: “A Deep Betrayal”
Prosecutor Worthy called the case deeply disturbing, emphasizing that the accused was a sworn law enforcement officer at the time.
“This case is especially disturbing because the evidence will show that a then Detroit police officer is the rapist of young women and girls,” Worthy said.
Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison also addressed the charges, calling them a betrayal of public trust and the oath taken by officers.
Why Some Charges Were Not Filed
Although investigators allege Wagner used a handgun in each attack, felony firearm charges were not filed due to Michigan’s statute of limitations.
That six-year window had already expired by the time Wagner left Michigan in 2017.
Sexual Assault Kit Task Force Role
The case is part of a broader effort tied to Wayne County’s Sexual Assault Kit Task Force.
In 2009, more than 11,000 untested sexual assault kits were discovered in Detroit police storage. Since then, investigators have worked to test evidence, reopen cases, and identify suspects through DNA.
This case is one of the latest results of that long-term effort.
What Happens Next
Wagner has waived extradition and is expected to be arraigned in Detroit’s 36th District Court on March 26, 2026.
Prosecutors say additional details will be presented during the preliminary examination.
Authorities Urge Additional Victims to Come Forward
Officials are asking anyone who may have been assaulted by Wagner to contact the Detroit Police Department Sex Crimes Unit at 313-596-1950.
The charges are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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- NMD Staff
Staff@NewMediaDetroit.com