Embattled Houston rapper, Lee Carter, known as Viper, has been slapped with new charges for allegedly kidnapping and sexually assaulting a second woman, according to court documents. The 52-year-old, who was already in custody over previous kidnapping charges, faces fresh accusations stemming from an incident alleged to have occurred on or about July 14, 2021, the Houston Chronicle reported. The records allege the sexual assault happened 10 days after she was taken.
In a harrowing account detailed by court records, another woman claimed Carter ensnared her from the streets while she was pregnant and panhandling, and later held her captive in his garage for years. The victim described being force-fed drugs and junk food, while being kept in filthy conditions so squalid police found a broken toilet and a vomit-covered mattress upon rescue, as mentioned in the report by Chron.com. This first accuser managed to break free and seek help at one point, only to be handed back to Carter by police, leading to even stricter confinement and threats of violence.
Known for his homemade album covers and tracks like "You'll Cowards Don't Even Smoke Crack," Carter's music gained a certain level of internet infamy, later turning into viral memes. His contentious persona went beyond his lyrics, as these grave allegations reveal a sinister pattern seemingly hiding behind the character of Viper, whose real-life actions belie the image of the outsider rapper who once courted online notoriety.
After the initial charges in January, Carter made a post on social media platform X, where he has a significant following, declaring January 25 "National Exoneration Day." It coincided with his return to Harris County Jail due to bond violation accusations, the Houston Chronicle reported. On a separate, but painful node, court documents alleged Carter tried manipulating the first victim's testimony while she was under hospital care, a conversation overheard by detectives and reported by medical staff.
As it stands now, Carter has been denied bond on the initial aggravated kidnapping charge, and his bond was set at $200,000 for the violation, with the bond amount for the latest charges still pending. His attorney, George Powell, has yet to give a public statement. The disturbing narrative unfolding in the courtroom will determine whether the man behind the Viper persona will face the full sting of justice.
