WAYNE COUNTY, Mich. – The man who was allegedly found with a teenager who ran away from a Dearborn Heights facility and disappeared for nearly six weeks was arraigned in court on Friday.
Kamal Abou Darwiche, 62, is accused of sexually assaulting the 16-year-old girl. This is a Tier II offense under the Sex Offender Registration Act because he has a prior conviction, according to court documents.
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Darwiche is also accused of giving the teen marijuana and concealing her after she fled from the custody of her legal guardian.
He’s facing the following charges:
- Child sexually abusive activity -- a 20-year felony.
- Delivery of marijuana to a minor -- an eight-year felony.
- Harboring runaways -- a one-year misdemeanor.
Darwiche is currently in ICE custody due to an expired temporary visa.
The 16-year-old girl ran away March 14, 2025, from the Vista Maria facility for vulnerable children in Dearborn Heights.
She was found safe on April 23, 2025, at a man’s apartment off of Inkster Road, just south of Warren Avenue, in Dearborn Heights. That’s right near the borders of Westland and Garden City.
The man, now identified as Darwiche, was taken into custody at that time.
On June 13, 2025, Darwiche was arraigned on the three charges.
Prosecutors requested a $1 million bond claiming he has very little ties to the area. While negotiating a set bond, Darwiche’s defense attorney said he came to America legally, lives in Dearborn Heights and is currently in federal custody.
Prosecutors said Darwiche did come to America legally and had a visa. However, it expired at the time of his arrest.
Bond was set at $500,000. He is expected to return to court on June 25 at 9 a.m.
Vista Maria released the following statement after the girl was found:
“All of us at Vista Maria are relieved and grateful that (the girl) has been found and is safe and receiving support. Our thanks go out to the many law enforcement agencies that worked hard to find her, especially the Dearborn Heights Police Department. We appreciate the outpouring of support from the community, including the many tips that helped the police in their search. Vista Maria stands ready to support (her) and her family in any way we can in the future.”
Vista Maria spokesperson
