A Dearborn Heights man was arraigned last Friday for allegations involving the harboring and sexual assault of a teenage runaway girl. 62-year-old Kamal Abou Darwiche is facing multiple charges after a missing 16-year-old was found at his residence. According to WWJ Newsradio, Darwiche is held on a $500,000 bond and charges include Child Sexually Abusive Activity, Delivery of Marijuana to a Minor, and Harboring a Runaway.
The case garnered attention after the girl, who disappeared from Vista Maria youth home on March 14, sparked a multi-agency search. Darwiche reportedly kept the girl in his home from mid-March to late April, during which time the prosecutors allege she was sexually assaulted. A tip led investigators to Darwiche's home, where the girl was recovered on April 23. As previously reported by CBS Detroit, the man's arraignment encountered a delay due to the need for a court interpreter before proceeding in the 20th District Court. A probable cause hearing is set to take place on June 25, with a preliminary examination following on July 7.
Further complicating the case are factors regarding Darwiche’s immigration status. His attorney Amir Markled pointed out that his client has ties to the area, countering the prosecution’s concerns over his risk of flight. Markled stated to ClickOnDetroit that Darwiche has been in the United States legally and is challenging claims that his visa has expired. According to Markled, "The visa that he was here on doesn’t expire until 2027." Meanwhile, the girl's aunt expressed her family's hope for justice, saying, "He lied to police and then was caught with her in his apartment. How is that innocent or a family man? We just hope he gets what he deserves."
The recovered teen is now under the care of Child Protective Services, while Darwiche remains in custody with his next court appearance scheduled for late June.
