FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office
Contact: Dawn Fraylick, Communications Director
Office: +1 (586) 469-5737
Cell: +1 (586) 842-4421
Email: Dawn.Fraylick@macombgov.org
September 12, 2024
Westland Man Arraigned for Kidnapping Pregnant Ex-Girlfriend, Holding Her for Over Two Days
Mount Clemens, MI - A 29-year-old man from Westland was arraigned in connection with the kidnapping of his pregnant ex-girlfriend.
It is alleged that on Friday, September 6, 2024, Dakota Joseph Varana kidnapped his ex-girlfriend when she came to pick him up from Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Varana allegedly hit the victim and took her car keys and cell phone. Varana held the victim in her vehicle for two and a half days. The victim’s mother reported her missing on Sunday, September 8, 2024 from her Warren residence. The same day, the victim was able to pass a note to a store clerk saying she was kidnapped. Police listed the victim's vehicle in FLOCK and located the vehicle with Varana and the victim in it. Police attempted a traffic stop on the vehicle, and Varana failed to stop, fleeing police. After hitting another vehicle Varana fled on foot and was arrested by Westland Police Officers.
Dakota Joseph Varana was charged with Unlawful Imprisonment, a 15 year felony, Interfering with an Electronic Communications, a two year felony, Domestic Violence, a 93-day misdemeanor. He is also a habitual second offender.
"The actions of this individual were not only criminal but profoundly cruel. By allegedly kidnapping and holding his pregnant ex-girlfriend against her will, he inflicted unimaginable trauma on both the victim and her unborn child. No one should ever have to endure such fear and helplessness," said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido
Dakota Joseph Varana was arraigned in 37 Warren District Court where visiting Judge Denis LeDuc set bond at $60,000 cash/surety. A Probable Cause Hearing is scheduled on Tuesday, September 24, 2024 at 8:45 am by Warren District Court Judge Suzanne Faunce.
The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office encourages anyone experiencing domestic violence to contact their local police department and/or Turning Point. Turning Point is a non profit organization that helps victims of domestic violence. Turning Point has a 24 hour hotline and an emergency shelter available by calling (586) 463-6990. Turning Point also offers a community advocacy housing program, trauma advocacy and counseling services. Remember, you are not alone, and there are people and resources available to help you. For more information on resources available visit https://www.macombgov.org/domesticviolence.
The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office represents the People. We are committed to achieving justice and following the laws of the State of Michigan. All that are accused of a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
###