Man arraigned for allegedly torturing, imprisoning woman

MOUNT CLEMENS — A man has been arraigned in connection with the alleged months-long imprisonment and torture of a woman in Clinton Township.

Darren John Dawson, 34, allegedly kept a 58-year-old woman in his Clinton Township apartment from November 2023 to April 2024 over a drug debt, according to a press release from the Macomb County Prosecutor’s office. Dawson allegedly stole the woman’s Social Security money and food stamps.

Dawson was charged with torture, a felony that carries a life sentence. He’s also facing charges of unlawful imprisonment, a 15-year felony; and larceny by conversion of $1,000 or more but less than $20,000, a five-year felony.

Dawson was arraigned in 41B District Court on Aug. 8. Magistrate Ryan Zemke set bond at $1 million cash or surety with no 10% stipulation. Dawson has to wear a GPS tether, have no contact with the victim and can’t have firearms if he’s released. A probable cause hearing is scheduled for Aug. 20 at 8:30 a.m. before District Court Judge Jacob Femminineo, Jr.

Dawson’s attorney Randall P. Upshaw had “no comment” at press time.

“The victim endured unimaginable suffering in what can only be described as a living nightmare,” Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido is quoted as saying in 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.”