FBI Investigates US Military Service Member Accused of Molesting Teenagers on Alaska Airlines Flights

The FBI is actively investigating a distressing case involving a United States military service member who allegedly molested two female teenagers on separate Alaska Airlines flights. The accused, James Benecke, a 41-year-old chief warrant officer in the US Army stationed in Alaska, has been indicted for two counts of abusive sexual contact while on board the aircraft.

Details: According to official documents from the US Attorney’s Office in the Western District of Washington, the first incident occurred on an Alaska Airlines flight from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) on April 12, 2023. During the flight, Benecke allegedly intentionally touched the buttocks of a 16-year-old teenager who was seated next to him.

Exactly two months later, on June 12, 2023, another incident took place on an Alaska Airlines flight from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) to SEA airport. On this flight, Benecke allegedly touched the buttocks and inner thigh of an 18-year-old female seated next to him.

Upon reporting the second incident, the teenager and her boyfriend alerted the cabin crew, resulting in Benecke being moved to a seat at the rear of the plane. Upon landing in Seattle, law enforcement interviewed him about the incidents.

Authorities are seeking information from any individuals who may have been seated near Benecke on the aircraft during these two specific incidents.

The US Attorney’s office has clarified that abusive sexual contact is punishable by up to two years in prison.