Dean Lee Benner, 47, is being held without bond at the Howard County Detention Center after being taken into custody by police late Wednesday night at his home.
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 6 through 13. The victim will not be identified due to the nature of the crimes.
Investigators interviewed the victim and learned that over a 7-year period, there were approximately 200 incidents of sexual abuse. The victim 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, and eventually most, weekends with Benner.
The victim reported that Benner would take him and other boys to three locations in Howard County: the Elkridge home where he lived during that time, his place of business, also in Elkridge; 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 current home and said they found nine guns, many of which were loaded; 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 and are continuing to investigate those cases. Investigators said they strongly believe that Benner has committed similar acts against additional other children.
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