More charges filed in alleged cult abuse case

Durham, N.C. — Police filed more charges Tuesday against a Durham accused of beating and raping people as part of a satanic cult.

Joseph Craig, 25, was charged with two counts of second-degree kidnapping and one count of second-degree forcible sexual offense. His wife, Joy Johnson, 30, was charged with felony aiding and abetting.

The couple was arrested last week after a man and a woman told police they were beaten, shackled to beds, kept in dog cages and starved inside a home on Albany Street.

Assistant Durham County District Attorney Mark McCullough said during a Monday bond hearing that the two people met Craig through a shared interest in Satan worship.

Craig was initially charged with kidnapping, rape and assault. Police said he beat a man with a cane and a cord and raped a woman.

Johnson was charged with aiding and abetting. Police said she watched as Craig committed the crimes.

Johnson resigned her positions as third vice-chair of the Durham County Democratic Party and vice-chair of the Young Democrats following her arrest.