A retired Detroit Police Department sergeant is facing an additional criminal case, bringing the total number of alleged incidents to six, involving accusations of kidnapping and sexual assault spanning multiple years.
Benjamin Wagner, 68, of Greenville, North Carolina, has been charged in six separate cases involving alleged attacks between 1999 and 2003 on Detroit’s west side. Prosecutors state the alleged victims were between 14 and 23 years old at the time of the incidents.
Latest Charge Involving 14-Year-Old
According to prosecutors, the newest case stems from an incident on October 15, 2002, on Trinity Street near Outer Drive.
Authorities allege Wagner approached a 14-year-old girl walking to catch a school bus, displayed a handgun, and forced her into a secluded area where she was sexually assaulted. The victim underwent a sexual assault examination at the time. She is now 37 years old.
The warrant for this case was not completed in time for Wagner’s March 19, 2026 arraignment on five previously filed cases, according to statements made to Local 4.
Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy stated that the victim has elected to come forward after more than two decades.
Wagner now faces the following charges in the latest case:
- Kidnapping
- Two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct
- Two counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct
Pattern Alleged by Investigators
Investigators allege a consistent pattern across all six cases. According to prosecutors, victims were approached while walking alone near bus stops, schools, or workplaces on Detroit’s west side.
Authorities allege the suspect:
- Displayed a handgun
- Forced victims into secluded areas
- Committed sexual assaults
Officials stated that all reported incidents occurred within approximately 5.5 miles of Wagner’s residence at the time on Bentler Street.
CLICK HERE to order your copy of
Additional Reported Cases
Prosecutors outlined five additional alleged incidents occurring between 1999 and 2003:
- A 17-year-old allegedly assaulted near Chalfonte and Mark Twain after a bus stop encounter
- A 23-year-old allegedly approached and assaulted near Wyoming
- A 15-year-old allegedly assaulted while walking to school on Florence Street
- A 20-year-old allegedly attacked near West McNichols after leaving a friend’s home
- A 16-year-old allegedly kidnapped and assaulted near a bus stop on Ferguson Street
Prosecutors stated a handgun was allegedly used in each case. However, firearm-related charges were not filed due to statute of limitations constraints.
Work History and Background
According to officials, Wagner served with the Detroit Police Department from 1989 until his retirement in 2017. His assignments reportedly included:
- Precinct operations
- Investigative units
- Tactical services
- Criminal investigations
- Commercial Auto Theft Unit
Prosecutors allege the incidents occurred while Wagner was an active-duty officer who later attained the rank of sergeant.
Following retirement, Wagner relocated to North Carolina and was reportedly employed at the Greenville airport prior to his arrest.
Statements From Officials
Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison described the allegations as “egregious and disturbing,” according to statements reported by Local 4.
Assistant Chief Chuck Fitzgerald also addressed the case publicly, stating Wagner no longer represents the department.
Wagner’s defense attorney emphasized that the charges are allegations and that Wagner has not been convicted of any crimes.
Role of Sexual Assault Kit Investigation
The case is connected to the Wayne County Sexual Assault Kit Task Force, which was formed after 11,341 untested sexual assault kits were discovered in a Detroit Police Department storage facility in 2009.
Authorities report the following outcomes from the initiative:
- All 11,341 kits have been tested as of March 1, 2026
- 4,243 DNA profiles developed
- 858 suspected serial offenders identified across 41 states
- 264 convictions obtained
- 5,684 investigations closed
- 36 cases remain active with additional reviews ongoing
Officials stated Wagner was first linked to unsolved assaults through DNA analysis in 2010. His identity was later confirmed through renewed investigative efforts by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in 2023 and 2026.
Jennifer Runyan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office, stated the case reflects multi-agency cooperation.
Arrest and Court Proceedings
Authorities reported Wagner was arrested on March 17, 2026, in Greenville, North Carolina, with assistance from multiple agencies, including:
- Detroit Police Department
- FBI Detroit Field Office
- FBI Charlotte Field Office
- Local North Carolina law enforcement agencies
Wagner waived extradition and was transported to Michigan. He was arraigned in 36th District Court and remanded to jail.
Upcoming court dates include:
- Probable cause conference: April 7, 2026
- Additional proceedings: April 14, 2026
Current Status
The investigation remains active. Authorities have indicated additional victims may exist and are encouraging anyone with relevant information to come forward.
Individuals are directed to contact:
- Detroit Police Department Sex Crimes Unit: 313-596-1950
- Request Sgt. Jennifer Carlson
- Avalon Healing Center: 313-964-9701
FAQ
What charges is Benjamin Wagner currently facing?
Wagner is facing six cases involving kidnapping and criminal sexual conduct, including charges related to both first-degree and third-degree criminal sexual conduct.
When did the alleged incidents occur?
Prosecutors state the alleged incidents occurred between 1999 and 2003.
How was Wagner identified as a suspect?
Authorities report DNA evidence from previously untested sexual assault kits and subsequent investigative work by multiple agencies contributed to identifying Wagner.
Has Wagner been convicted?
No. Wagner has been charged, and the allegations remain pending in court. His defense attorney has stated he has not been convicted of any crimes.
Continue the Analysis
Cop Talk LIVE provides independent coverage of law enforcement policy, criminal justice legislation, and use-of-force standards.
🔎 Join Cop Talk LIVE Insider Access:
https://www.patreon.com/c/coptalklive/membership
📩 Submit a Tip or Story:
https://coptalklive.org/submit-a-tip-story/
About The Author
Discover more from Cop Talk LIVE
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
