Man Slapped Flight Attendant's Butt, Exposed Genitals Mid-Flight

The JetBlue^® flight had barely taken off from Fort Lauderdale when things took an unexpected and disturbing turn in the cabin. By the time it landed in Los Angeles, one passenger was in custody and facing federal prosecution.

A Flight to Remember

According to prosecutors, 49-year-old Dennis Woodbury of Azusa, California, was allegedly heavily intoxicated — he reportedly had an entire bottle of prosecco — aboard the April 13, 2025, JetBlue flight bound for Los Angeles. The former California Highway Patrol captain allegedly made repeated, unwanted advances toward two male flight attendants — conduct that escalated quickly and publicly, drawing concern from passengers and crew alike.

Unwelcome Attention

The trouble reportedly started before the plane even left the gate. Authorities say Woodbury showed one of the flight attendants a seemingly innocent photo of a dog. But in the background, prosecutors allege, there were pornographic images visible, though it's unclear if Woodbury knew that or not.

He then told the crew member that he should join him on a cruise, punctuating the comment with what officials described as a crude hand gesture.

From Bad to Worse

Shortly after meal service, while one flight attendant was collecting trays, Woodbury allegedly reached out and slapped the crew member's buttocks with his left hand. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, he then loudly declared his love for the flight attendant, as reported by PEOPLE.

The incident didn't stop there. Later during the flight, authorities say Woodbury approached the galley area and pulled down his trousers and underwear, exposing his genitalia to a second male flight attendant. After being denied wine service, he allegedly repeated the act.

Both crew members reported the behavior immediately. Neither consented to any part of the interaction, and JetBlue confirmed it took swift action by alerting law enforcement upon arrival.

The Charge and Next Steps

Woodbury was indicted on May 1 for one count of abusive sexual contact — a federal felony — and released on a $50,000 bond. If convicted, he faces up to two years in prison.

In a statement, JetBlue reiterated its zero-tolerance policy.

"The safety of our customers and crewmembers is our top priority," the company said, according to PEOPLE. "We took immediate action at that time by notifying law enforcement. We have zero tolerance for the behavior alleged and continue to assist and cooperate fully with authorities in this case."

Woodbury's attorney did not respond to media inquiries. A phone listed in his name has been disconnected.

Safety in the Skies

This case is just one of several recent incidents drawing attention to mid-air misconduct. According to the FBI, there were 96 investigations into alleged sexual assaults aboard U.S. flights in 2023 alone — many involving unwanted physical contact during long-haul or overnight flights.

Airlines and federal agencies are encouraging victims to report these incidents immediately, as timely reporting is key to launching effective investigations in these high-altitude environments.

As this case progresses, it serves as a reminder that personal boundaries and public behavior matter just as much at 35,000 feet as they do on the ground.

References: Man Indicted After Allegedly Slapping Male Flight Attendant's Butt | Ex-California Highway Patrol Officer Accused of Slapping Flight Attendant | Ex-Police Captain Slaps Attendant and Exposes Himself