A man from Texas finds himself behind bars on charges of allegedly kidnapping a woman. She claims she endured captivity in his garage for approximately four or five years, as detailed in court documents examined by PEOPLE.
Lee Carter, 52, was taken into custody on Thursday, nearly nine months after police responded to a Houston, Texas residence following a 911 call from the victim, according to Harris County court records.
Known as a Houston-area rapper with the alias "Viper," as reported by Local 12, Chron, and WFSB, Carter's arrest unfolds amidst disturbing allegations made by the victim, identified as Verenice Lopez Rivera in the criminal complaint.
Rivera recounted meeting Carter around four or five years ago while panhandling in Houston. According to the complaint, Carter initially gave her $1 before offering assistance when she was pregnant. Allegedly, he drove her to his home and confined her to his garage, marking the beginning of years of alleged abuse. This included coercion into drug use and engaging in sexual acts with him.
Details from the complaint did not clarify the outcome of her pregnancy. During the April 911 call response, authorities discovered the garage containing a makeshift toilet, a mattress soiled with fresh vomit, and a shelf with diapers, among other items.
The complaint notes Rivera's attempts to contact authorities via a free text messaging application. Despite being taken to the hospital a few times, she was released back into Carter's care. He purportedly threatened her with physical harm when she pleaded to be set free, often compelling her to consume drugs, including cocaine, rendering her physically incapable of leaving.
On at least one occasion, during authorities' presence at Carter's residence, Rivera managed to escape by breaking a garage window. However, she was returned to Carter after hospitalization. Following this incident, Carter allegedly boarded up windows to prevent her escape, informing a neighbor, Jedediah Beights, of his intentions.
Beights informed authorities that Carter claimed to have residences across Texas where he "kept women." Carter allegedly described these women as "ungrateful," desiring "more food and drugs." While suspecting potential human trafficking or pornographic activities, Beights assumed authorities would investigate.
Carter is currently held on a $100,000 bond, as per court records. His attorney, George Powell, states that Carter intends to plead not guilty.
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