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Former Detroit Police Sergeant Accused of Kidnapping, Sexually Assaulting 5 Young Women

Benjamin Wagner faces 14 felony charges after DNA from Detroit’s sexual assault kit backlog linked him to five attacks from 1999 to 2003 on the city’s northwest side.

  • On Thursday, Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy announced 14 felony charges against retired Detroit Police Sergeant Benjamin Wagner, 68, accusing him of kidnapping and sexually assaulting five women ages 15 to 23 between 1999 and 2003 on Detroit's northwest side.
  • Investigators identified Wagner after DNA testing revealed links to 11,341 previously untested sexual assault kits discovered in 2009; Worthy alleged Wagner led a "double life" as a police officer and serial rapist during his 28-year tenure with the department.
  • Utilizing isolation and force, Wagner allegedly targeted victims at gunpoint, abducting them from public spaces; prosecutors allege all assaults occurred within 5.5 miles of his former Detroit home on Bentler Street in early morning hours.
  • Following his March 17 arrest in Greenville, North Carolina, Wagner waived extradition to Michigan. Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison called the evidence "egregious and disturbing," stating Wagner's actions betray the oath officers take.
  • Wagner's arraignment is scheduled for March 26 in the 36th District Court. Officials urge anyone believing they were assaulted by Wagner to contact the Detroit Police Sex Crimes Unit at 313-596-1950, as the investigation remains ongoing.
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Former police sergeant led ‘double life’ as serial rapist, prosecutor says

The alleged victims were between the ages of 15 and 23.

·Connecticut, United States
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CBS NewsCBS News
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Former Detroit police sergeant accused of kidnapping, sexually assaulting 5 young women

A former Detroit Police Department sergeant is accused of kidnapping and sexually assaulting five young women over four years.

·United States
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Retired Detroit cop arrested, called ‘serial rapist’

A retired Detroit Police officer has been arrested and charged with multiple counts of kidnapping and criminal sexual conduct from alleged assaults dating back to 1999.

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The Detroit NewsThe Detroit News
Reposted by
Grand Haven TribuneGrand Haven Tribune
Center

Retired Detroit cop accused of leading double life as a serial rapist

Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said law enforcement cracked a cold case involving the sexual assault of five women between 1999 and 2003.

·Detroit, United States
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Click on DetroitClick on Detroit
Center

‘Serial rapist’: Ex-Detroit police sergeant accused of sexually assaulting multiple girls, women

A retired Detroit Police Sergeant is facing 15 charges in five separate sexual assault cases over a span of four years.

·Detroit, United States
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The Columbus DispatchThe Columbus Dispatch
Reposted by
Detroit Free PressDetroit Free Press
Center

Former Detroit police sergeant accused of being serial rapist

Former Detroit Police Sgt. Benjamin Wagner has been charged with five counts of criminal sexual misconduct, Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said.

·Columbus, United States
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WJBK broke the news in on Thursday, March 19, 2026.
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