A man from Hampton Township has been charged with multiple felonies after allegedly threatening his girlfriend with a gun and attempting to coerce her into prostitution, according to police reports.
The victim, a 34-year-old woman, reported the incident to the Hampton Township Public Safety Department on March 9. She told officers her live-in boyfriend, Marcelius J. Garrett, had been taking money from her and demanding more, including a large sum by the end of the month.
Authorities say the situation escalated during an argument when the woman refused to give additional money. Investigators allege Garrett threatened her and suggested he would force her into prostitution if she did not comply.
The woman told police that Garrett then pulled out a handgun, pointed it at her, and threatened to kill her. She also reported being physically restrained and prevented from leaving, while her phone was taken to stop her from contacting anyone.
According to reports, Garrett later fell asleep, allowing the woman to leave the residence after getting her children ready for school. She then went directly to police to report the incident.
Officers, assisted by the Michigan State Police, responded to the home and arrested Garrett without incident. A loaded semi-automatic handgun was recovered at the scene and sent for further examination.
Garrett now faces several charges, including assault with a dangerous weapon, felony firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, and repeat domestic violence. Officials say he has a prior felony record, which prohibits him from legally possessing a weapon.
He is scheduled to appear in court later this month for a preliminary hearing.