James Benecke, Abusive Sexual Contact, Washington 2024

Seattle – Former Army Soldier Sentenced for Abusive Sexual Contact

A 42-year-old former Chief Warrant Officer in the Army, James Benecke, was sentenced to 12 months in prison for abusive sexual contact while on board an aircraft, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman.

The crime took place on two separate Alaska Airlines flights from Anchorage to Seattle, and from Dallas to Seattle, respectively. On April 12, 2023, Benecke intentionally touched the buttocks of a 16-year-old teen who was seated next to him. Two months later, on June 12, 2023, he touched the buttocks and inner thigh of an 18-year-old woman who was seated next to him.

According to the plea agreement, Benecke admitted that both contacts were intentional for his sexual arousal. The victims reported the incidents to the flight crew, and Benecke was moved to a seat at the rear of the plane during the second incident. He was interviewed by law enforcement upon arrival in Seattle.

Benecke was arrested at his duty station in Alaska last July. The case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn Forstein and former Assistant United States Attorney Jocelyn Cooney.

“Preying on teenagers in the confined space of an aircraft is traumatizing, and is happening far too often,” said U.S. Attorney Gorman. “Those convicted of this crime are required to register as a sex offender. Some have been banned from certain airlines. We need to get the message across that this conduct is unacceptable and will be prosecuted.”

The Western District of Washington has experienced a significant increase in the number of reported airline sexual assaults over the last few years, and these crimes have serious consequences on the victims. For the two victims in this case, “teenagers embarking on exciting travel opportunities, Mr. Benecke’s actions diminished their sense of personal safety, and turned what should have been joyous, meaningful trips – one to a school sporting competition, and one returning home from college orientation – into sources of trauma.”

Benecke is required to register as a sex offender and may face additional consequences. The case is a reminder of the importance of prioritizing passenger safety and security on flights.

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