A former California Highway Patrol captain has been charged with federal offenses after allegedly hitting a male flight attendant on the backside while intoxicated on a JetBlue flight, and later exposing himself to another crew member, according to prosecutors.
Dennis Wally Woodbury, 49, faces charges of abusive sexual contact for the incident that occurred on April 13 during a flight from Florida to California. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California reported that Woodbury was collecting meal trays when he struck the attendant.
Residents of Azusa, who had been drinking heavily during the flight, have expressed their admiration for the flight attendant amidst the chaotic episode.
JetBlue emphasized in a statement that the safety of customers and crew members is their top priority. They noted that they quickly notified law enforcement after the incident and are cooperating fully with the authorities.
Prosecutors detailed further unruly behavior from another passenger, who reportedly showed a photo containing a pornographic image and made suggestive gestures shortly after boarding a plane in Fort Lauderdale.
The situation escalated as the accused passenger exposed himself to a JetBlue employee and later requested wine from the same flight attendant. This request was denied, and he insisted on repeating inappropriate gestures, prompting the attendant to demand he return to his seat, according to prosecutors.
Woodbury, who has been let go from his position, was arrested when the plane landed in Los Angeles. Both flight attendants reported their disapproval of Woodbury’s conduct to law enforcement.
He appeared in federal court last month and is currently free on a $50,000 bond, with a future court appearance scheduled for May 12. If found guilty, Woodbury could face up to two years in federal prison.
