A former California Highway Patrol captain is facing serious federal charges after allegedly assaulting flight attendants during a JetBlue flight last month. Dennis Wally Woodbury, 49, of Azusa, was indicted by a federal grand jury for one count of abusive sexual contact within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States, a felony that carries a statutory maximum sentence of two years in federal prison.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, the incident occurred on a JetBlue flight from Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Court documents reveal that Woodbury, who had previously been dismissed from the CHP, exhibited disturbing behavior toward two male flight attendants even before the plane left the gate.
Allegedly, Woodbury showed one of the flight attendants a photo of a dog that had pornographic imagery in the background. He later made a crude hand gesture and told the attendant he should join him on a cruise. After the meal service, when the second flight attendant was collecting trays, Woodbury, who had been drinking heavily, slapped the attendant’s buttocks with his left hand and shouted that he loved him.
Later in the flight, Woodbury reportedly entered the front galley where the first flight attendant was stationed, pulled down his trousers and underwear, and exposed himself. The attendant told him his behavior was inappropriate and refused a subsequent request for wine. When Woodbury exposed himself again, the flight attendant ordered him to return to his seat.
Both flight attendants confirmed that they did not consent to any of Woodbury’s actions.
While the charges themselves are deeply disturbing, one element of the story that unfortunately isn’t surprising is the role alcohol played in the incident. It’s important to understand that drinking on a plane can significantly heighten intoxication. Due to lower cabin pressure, dehydration and reduced oxygen levels, alcohol affects the body more strongly at altitude, impairing judgment and behavior. In Woodbury’s case, it appears that combination led to a shocking display of misconduct, one that could come with serious legal consequences.
KEEP READING
–Did you know your electronic devices should always be charged when going through security?
–The travel gadget flight attendants never leave home without
–Going on a cruise? Be sure to bring this
–The genius phone hack to try when your plane doesn’t have an in-flight entertainment system
–Travel hack: How to use your wireless headphones to watch in-flight movies
Want more travel news, tips and deals? Sign up to Johnny Jet’s free newsletter and check out these popular posts: The Travel Gadget Flight Attendants Never Leave Home Without and 12 Ways to Save Money on Baggage Fees. Follow Johnny Jet on MSN, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube for all of my travel posts.
