Joy Johnson, a former-vice chairwoman of the Durham Democratic Party, and her husband, Rev. Joseph Craig are accused of kidnapping, abusing, and sexually assaulting at least two victims in their Durham home.
Monday in court, more disturbing details; prosecutors alleged Craig shackled his victims to beds, kept them in dog cages and starved them.
Arrest warrants allege Johnson watched as her husband beat and raped a female victim then kidnapped and beat another male victim with a wooden cane and a cable cord. "There are allegations that at least one of the victims was chained to the bed and at least one of the victims was kept in a dog cage, we don't know what specific period of time. Also they were deprived of food and water for some time," Durham Assistant DA Mark McCullough said.McCullough told a judge the couple appears to be involved in a satanic cult and that is how they came in contact with their victims.
Eyewitness News did some research and found a satanist who says he was once associated with the group 'Order of the Morning Star.'
In an e-mail to Eyewitness News he says the couple leads the organization under fake names and that the group worships the devil.
The former member alleges he left the OMS because it felt like a cult and they were starting to promote a herd mentality.
Worldwide he says the OMS has more than 80 followers.
A website also shows Johnson and her husband as the leaders of Indigo Dawn.
A private website on spiritual growth -- the couple sells anointing oils and herbal balms -- on the website the couple also talks about magic and the occult.
But for now prosecutors aren't commenting on the couple's ties to any specific cult.
Craig faces charges of second degree rape and kidnapping -- Johnson is charged with aiding and abetting, but more charges could be filed.
The DA's office says they do not suspect anymore victims are involved and doesn't anticipate making any more arrests in the case.
The couple currently remains in jail and will be back in court next Monday.
