Michigan police have arrested a 36-year-old man who kidnapped a vulnerable woman, sexually assaulted her for three weeks, and threatened her if she did not follow his orders.
During a press conference on Wednesday, Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson revealed disturbing details of the case that led to the arrest of Michael Barajas, 36, on Dec. 8. He also said Barajas had filed his teeth down to points, making them look like fangs. The suspect also threatened to bite the victim and rip her throat out during the course of her three-week imprisonment.
Swanson said a pregnant woman in her early 20s was kicked out of her house the week of Thanksgiving. The vulnerable woman was walking alone on the street when Barajas spotted her and pulled his car over. He offered her a warm shower, food, and lodging. She accepted his offer.
She was locked inside a room and tied to a bed by Barajas once they arrived at a dilapidated house. Officials from Genesee said they found rope at the scene. A deadbolt was installed on the door of the victims’ room, and all the windows were screwed shut.
According to police, Barajas repeatedly sexually assaulted the pregnant woman and had others sexually assault her and traffic her.
“This guy used the opportunity to not only sexually assault but have people come over and traffic her as she was tied forcibly to the bed while they assaulted her,” Swanson said.
After running out of an open door during an exchange, Barajas and the others chased her down and fired shots at her. She was dragged back into the bedroom.
According to Swanson, Barajas threatened to bite her with his sharp fangs throughout her stay at the house. Swanson claimed Barajas groomed the woman by fulfilling her need for shelter and even forcing her to write a letter where she referred to him as “her daddy.”
She was also recaptured after a second attempt to escape. The victim suffered a medical emergency related to her pregnancy on Dec. 8 and was treated by nurses who recognized her serious situation.
Police raided the home after nurses alerted them to the woman’s need. Barajas was arrested on multiple charges, including human trafficking, kidnapping, sexual assault, possession of methamphetamine and ecstasy.
A probable cause conference is scheduled for Dec. 22 for Barajas, who was booked in jail on a $250,000 bond – $35,000 per charge.
According to the sheriff, authorities are still investigating and are seeking tips to locate the other suspects.