A Michigan man has been arrested after it was alleged that he kept a woman in his closet for months, torturing her in the process, in his Clinton Township apartment.
A press release issued by the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office stated that 34-year-old Darren John Dawson was arrested after allegedly holding a woman against her will in his apartment over a drug debt. Between November 2023 and April 2024, Dawson purportedly kept her in a closet, torturing her while reportedly stealing Social Security money and food stamps from the 58-year-old victim.
“The victim endured unimaginable suffering in what can only be described as a living nightmare. Our office is committed to seeking justice for her, and we will pursue every avenue to ensure this individual is held fully accountable for the alleged crimes committed,” said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido in a written statement.
Dawson has been charged with torture, which carries a life sentence; unlawful imprisonment, a 15-year felony; and larceny by conversion of $1,000 or more but less than $20,000, a felony that calls for a five-year punishment. After being arraigned, the suspect’s bond was set at $1 million cash. If he can make bail, Dawson will be required to wear a GPS tether while having no contact with the victim, and he cannot possess any firearms.
His next scheduled court date, a probable cause hearing, has been set for August 20, 2024 at 8:30 am by Michigan District Court Judge Jacob Femminineo, Jr.
Macomb Daily reported that an Oakland County-based defense attorney, Randall Upshaw, said the victim’s story shouldn’t be believed based on information he obtained.
“When we go to court, you’re going to find out the real facts are not accurate or true,” Upshaw said.
“We have many neighbors who are willing to speak out on Mr. Dawson’s behalf. She claims to be held in a closet, but we have people who have seen her walking in and out of the apartment on her own during that time,” he said.
RELATED CONTENT: Man Convicted Of Sex Crimes After Confessing On Police Job Application And Interview