Man held on $1 million bond, accused of torturing and keeping woman in closet of Clinton Twp. apartment for months

CLINTON TWP. (WWJ) — A Macomb County man is being held on $1 million bond for allegedly torturing a woman and keeping her in a closet for nearly half a year.

Darren Dawson of Clinton Township has been charged with torture, unlawful imprisonment and larceny by conversion.

The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office says the 34-year-old man tortured the 58-year-old woman and stole her Social Security money and food stamps, all allegedly because of a drug debt.

He allegedly held her against her will in a closet in his Clinton Township apartment from November 2023 to April 2024.

Authorities did not release any further details about the alleged drug debt or how the woman was able to escape.

“The victim endured unimaginable suffering in what can only be described as a living nightmare,” Prosecutor Pete Lucido said, per a press release. “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.”

If Dawson is able to post the $1 million bond, he will be ordered to wear a GPS tether, have no contact with the victim, and we will not be allowed to have firearms.

His next court date is scheduled Aug. 20.