Rape, Domestic Assault Charges Filed Against Sartell Man

ST. CLOUD -- A Sartell man has been charged with four felony counts stemming from an alleged rape and domestic assault involving his girlfriend. 22-year-old Darnell Lewis is charged with first degree criminal sexual conduct, terroristic threats and two counts of domestic assault.

According to the criminal complaint, the woman told Lewis that she wanted to end their relationship. Records show that angered him and he threatened her, said he owns her and told her she can't leave.

On September 24th, witnesses saw the victim tumble out of a vehicle at the intersection of 15th Street North and 33rd Avenue North. The woman asked a man for help and to call 9-1-1. The witness said she had a welt near her eye and was bleeding from the mouth.  She got back in the vehicle and it sped away.

The victim told police they went to a friend's house where Lewis then drank alcohol and continued to punch and slap her in the head.

Records show Lewis drove the woman to a house, dragged her upstairs, threatened to kill her and her children and then raped her. Lewis is then accused of putting his foot on her neck and began crushing her throat causing her unable to breathe.

Police arrested Lewis who denied assaulting the woman or having sex with her. Lewis has three prior domestic assault convictions.

He's due in court tomorrow.