A former California Highway Patrol captain, Dennis Wally Woodbury, faces federal charges following an alleged incident of lewd behavior on a flight from Florida to Los Angeles. The 49-year-old, dismissed from his state position, was indicted by a grand jury on a single count of abusive sexual contact. The incident reportedly occurred aboard a JetBlue flight on April 13th.
According to the Department of Justice, Woodbury allegedly engaged in inappropriate conduct with two male flight attendants. Before takeoff, he displayed a picture of a dog with pornographic imagery to one attendant. Prosecutors claim Woodbury consumed an entire bottle of Prosecco during the three-hour flight, fueling his alleged actions. He then made inappropriate comments to one attendant, suggesting a cruise, and made a crude hand gesture.
The situation escalated further. During meal service, Woodbury allegedly slapped a second flight attendant on the buttocks and professed his love. Later, he reportedly exposed himself in the galley. The flight attendants, both of whom stated they did not consent to his behavior, reported the incident to authorities.
Woodbury’s actions prompted JetBlue to deny his request for more wine. Even after being told his behavior was unacceptable, he allegedly repeated the indecent exposure. The former captain appeared in court last month and was released on a $50,000 bond. His arraignment is set for May 12th in Los Angeles. He faces a potential sentence of up to two years in prison if convicted of the felony charge of abusive sexual contact.
The incident highlights concerns about inappropriate behavior on airplanes and the potential consequences for those involved. This case underscores the serious nature of such actions and the legal ramifications for those who engage in them, regardless of past professional standing.
