Former Detroit Police Sergeant Accused of Being Serial Rapist

Benjamin Wagner charged with 5 counts of criminal sexual misconduct for alleged attacks from 1999-2003

Mar. 19, 2026 at 3:05pm

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Former Detroit Police Sergeant Benjamin Wagner has been charged with five counts of criminal sexual misconduct by Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy. Wagner is accused of kidnapping and raping five women and girls between the ages of 15 and 23 in Detroit between 1999 and 2003. The alleged attacks took place during early morning hours as the victims were walking to school, home from work, or to a friend's house in the city's northwest side. Wagner left the police department in 2017 and moved out of state.

Why it matters

This case highlights the disturbing reality of police officers abusing their power and public trust, as well as the ongoing challenges of addressing sexual violence in communities. The alleged crimes occurred over several years, raising questions about how they went undetected for so long.

The details

According to Prosecutor Worthy, Wagner, a decorated police officer, is accused of kidnapping and sexually assaulting five victims ranging in age from 15 to 23 years old. The alleged attacks took place in the early morning hours as the victims were walking alone in the city's northwest side neighborhoods.

  • The alleged crimes occurred between 1999 and 2003.
  • Wagner left the Detroit Police Department in 2017 and moved out of state.

The players

Benjamin Wagner

A former Detroit Police Department sergeant who has been charged with five counts of criminal sexual misconduct for allegedly kidnapping and raping five women and girls between 1999 and 2003.

Kym Worthy

The Wayne County Prosecutor who announced the charges against Benjamin Wagner.

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What they’re saying

“The alleged facts in this case are disturbing, unsettling and infuriating.”

— Kym Worthy, Wayne County Prosecutor

What’s next

The investigation concerning Wagner is continuing, and Prosecutor Worthy has asked anyone who may have been assaulted by him to contact the Detroit Police Department's sex crimes unit.

The takeaway

This case underscores the critical need for thorough vetting, training, and oversight of law enforcement officers to prevent abuses of power and protect vulnerable members of the community. It also highlights the challenges of addressing long-term patterns of sexual violence, even when committed by those in positions of trust.