Lord Edward-Manwell Johnson, 35, of Detroit was arraigned in court Monday after DNA evidence linked him to the abduction and rape of a 12-year-old girl last year.
According to police, on March 22, Johnson allegedly grabbed and forced his underage victim into a late model black jeep around 4:30 p.m. outside of a local Detroit store on Caldwell and Luce. The suspect drove to several locations and sexually assaulted the girl before dropping her off around 8:20 p.m., a few hours later in the 13000 block of Syracuse. The victim reportedly walked home.
The DNA from the rap kit submitted by Detroit Police investigators identified Lord Edward-Manwell Johnson, who previously spent time in prison on a drug conviction.
Last Friday, Adrian Police Department investigators tipped Detroit Police that Johnson had been hiding in their city and recently returned to the east side of Detroit.
According to Chief Warren Evans, children were present when Detroit investigators apprehended the suspect in a home located in the 12000 block of August Street.
“As long as the suspect remained free, he was a threat to other children,” Chief Evans said in a press statement. “Thanks to the assistance of the Adrian Police Department, we were able to bring him into custody and hopefully bring a sense of relief to his young victim and her family.”
Johnson was charged with kidnapping, four counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and one count of second-degree criminal sexual conduct. His bond was set for $75,000 cash. His next court date is Dec. 15. If convicted, Johnson could face life in prison.
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