Police Charge Man With Sexual Abuse Of Boy 15 Years Ago
ELKRIDGE, Md. (WJZ) -- Howard County Police have charged a Frederick man with 14 counts of sex offense and child abuse in a case that dates to 1997.
Dean Lee Benner, 47, was arrested at his home and is being held without bond at the Howard County Detention Center.
Detectives were contacted in August by a family member of a man, now 23, who had disclosed abuse by Benner from 1997 until 2003, when he was age 6 through 13.
Investigators interviewed the victim and learned there were approximately 200 incidents of sexual abuse in the seven years. He told investigators that he and his family initially trusted Benner and believed he was an uncle of a friend. The victim's parents allowed him to spend many weekends with Benner.
The victim reported that Benner would take him and other boys to three locations in Howard County, including the Elkridge home where he lived during that time, his place of business and a friend's barn in Ellicott City. The victim told police Benner provided the boys with alcohol and drugs and that several times he passed out. He reported that he would awaken to Benner raping him.
He also told police that Benner often forced him to perform sex acts and threatened to kill him if he refused. In some cases, the victim reported that Benner held a knife to his throat or a gun to his head during the sex acts.
Police served a search warrant at Benner's house and found nine guns, ammunition, two large hunting knives and three swords.
Benner has been charged with first-, second- and third degree sex offenses, and child abuse.
Detectives have been in contact with other people they believe were Benner's victims.
Police are urging anyone who may have been a victim or has more information in the case to come forward and contact police at 410-313-2630.
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