Former Detroit Police Sergeant Charged In Multiple Kidnappings, Rapes: Prosecutor

DETROIT — A former Detroit police sergeant has been charged in a series of kidnappings and rapes, according to the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office.

Benjamin Wagner, 68, of Greenville, North Carolina, was charged with five counts of kidnapping and five counts of criminal sexual conduct (both first and third degree).

He was placed in jail without bond. His next court date is scheduled for April 7.

Prosecutors said Wagner kidnapped and raped five girls and women on the northwest side of Detroit between 1999 and 2003.

In all five cases, prosecutors said Wagner stopped the girls while they were walking, pointed a gun at them and then raped them.

All the victims were between the ages of 15 and 23 at the time of their assaults, prosecutors said.

The attacks all happened within 6 miles from Wagner's home, as prosecutors said he was living a double life as both a criminal and a cop.

"This case is illustrative of a multi-year journey to justice. Collaboration, patience, determination, and a focus on our survivors was key here," Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said. "This case is especially disturbing to us because the evidence will show that a then Detroit Police officer is the rapist of the young women and girls in the cases that we charge today."

Prosecutors asked anyone who may have been a victim of Wagner's to call the DPD Sex Crimes Unit at 313-596-1950 and request to speak with Sergeant Jennifer Carlson.