Ex-Calif. Highway Patrol Captain Indicted for Flight Incident

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A former California Highway Patrol captain has been indicted by a federal grand jury for slapping a male flight attendant’s buttocks during a flight to Los Angeles, federal prosecutors announced Thursday. Dennis Wally Woodbury, 49, of Azusa, California, faces one count of abusive sexual contact following the April 13 incident on JetBlue Airways.

Prosecutors allege that Woodbury had consumed a significant amount of alcohol aboard the cross-country flight from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Witnesses reported his inappropriate behavior began shortly after boarding, including showing another flight attendant a pornographic image disguised in a photo of his dog and suggesting they go on a cruise.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, as a flight attendant collected meal trays, Woodbury slapped the attendant’s backside and declared, “I love you.” The situation escalated when Woodbury later exposed his genitals in the front galley of the plane. After being denied more wine, he dropped his pants again, prompting the attendant to assert, “Enough, go back to your seat.”

Woodbury was arrested after landing at Los Angeles International Airport and was released on a $50,000 bond. He is set to appear for his arraignment on May 12. His attorney has not responded to inquiries regarding the case, and all charges carry a potential maximum sentence of two years in federal prison.

The indictment follows rising concerns about sexual misconduct on flights, with the FBI reporting a notable increase in such incidents during long, overnight journeys. Passengers may be especially vulnerable during these times, often asleep and in window or middle seats.

Earlier this week, a Northern California woman announced a lawsuit against American Airlines alleging sexual assault by a fellow passenger in 2024, highlighting ongoing issues in airline safety and passenger protection.