A man from Saginaw has accepted a plea deal after being accused of holding his ex-girlfriend captive and violently assaulting her for hours.
Deran F. Henton, 38, entered a no-contest plea on March 9 in Saginaw County Circuit Court before Judge Darnell Jackson.
Henton pleaded to four charges: unlawful imprisonment, assault with intent to cause great bodily harm, third-offense domestic violence, and assault with a dangerous weapon. Because he pleaded as a fourth-time habitual offender, the maximum possible penalty for the first three convictions could reach life in prison.
Judge Jackson indicated he plans to sentence Henton to 96 months (eight years) in prison.
Prosecutors said the attack happened on May 10 when Henton allegedly forced his way into his ex-girlfriend’s apartment on South 10th Street. During earlier court testimony, the victim said Henton was heavily intoxicated and became enraged after seeing her talk to another man.
She told the court he slapped, punched and stomped on her, breaking her nose and ankle. She said he also used objects including a paint-stirring stick, knife and fork to stab and poke her in multiple places and even bit her on the nose, finger and back.
At one point, she testified that Henton choked her and later forced her into a shower, allegedly trying to hide the bruising.
The victim said she did not attempt to leave because Henton threatened to kill her and told her she would never see her children again.
After several hours, Henton reportedly passed out. The woman then fled, drove to her mother’s house and called 911. Paramedics transported her to a hospital, where she spoke with police.
Authorities later located and arrested Henton on May 16. He remains in custody without bond while awaiting sentencing.