Pair tell police of abuse, torture

DURHAM -- Beatings, forced humiliation and a rape were among alleged incidents of satanic nature inside the home of a former political activist and her husband, according to a search warrant made public Thursday afternoon.

A man who reported the attack told Durham police detective R.J. Guardino Jr. he had moved into the home of Joseph Scott Craig and Joy Suzanne Johnson at 2305 Albany Avenue in November.

“On two occasions during that time period he was handcuffed to his bed by his hands and feet with a chain around his neck and left there for a day without food or water,” the warrant said.

The man told Guardino he was also forced into a small dog cage while handcuffed, where he was without food or water for hours. He also claimed he was beaten with a rattan cane and a cable cord.

“During this interview [the man] had significant bruises, welts, open wounds and abrasions to his back, legs, buttocks, arms,” the warrant said. “He also had a visible mark around his neck along with a large cut on his right eyebrow and his right eye was bloodied.”

During a separate interview, a woman who said she was attacked told Guardino she moved into the home in December. She suffered hand and foot injuries in May after being beaten with the same rattan cane, the warrant said.

“Johnson held [the woman’s] hands down as Craig beat her with the cane,” the warrant said.

That same month, the woman said she was raped on the living room floor “while Johnson sat on the couch looking on.”

The News & Observer generally does not identify people who report sex crimes.

Both complainants said they met the couple through their web site, www.theindigodawn.com. Craig, 25, and Johnson, 30, described themselves as “teachers of the Order of the Morning Star.”

Investigators removed more than 20 items from the home on Wednesday, including computer equipment, a cell phone, boxes of notes, books and pictures, two black studded straps and a brown rug.

Craig faces rape and multiple kidnapping and assault charges. Johnson has been charged with aiding and abetting Craig. Johnson resigned this week as third vice-chairwoman of the Durham County Democratic Party and as vice-chairwoman of the Young Democrats. Both remain at the Durham County Jail.

Diana Palmer, first vice-chairwoman of the Durham Democrats and a partner in the company, turned herself in on Wednesday. She is charged with being an accessory after the fact. Investigators say Palmer, who is out on bond and had her first court appearance on Thursday, removed possible evidence from the Albany Street home.