LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Editor's note: This story contains accounts of sexual violence and may not be suited for all readers.
A popular Louisville chef turned Food Network star is accused of illegally entering a woman's house, and strangling and threatening to kill her.
Darnell “SuperChef” Ferguson was arrested and is facing several charges including burglary, strangulation and terroristic threatening. Metro Corrections booking records show Ferguson had been processed at the jail Tuesday just before 4 p.m.
According to court documents, Ferguson illegally entered the woman's home and, once inside, began yelling at her and punching the walls, causing damage to her home.
Documents show that he grabbed the victim by her neck with both hands and began choking her. Police said as this was happening Ferguson threatened to kill her.
The woman told authorities she couldn't breathe and lost consciousness. When she regained consciousness, she said she was on the floor and Ferguson allegedly ripped off her shorts. Documents show Ferguson then demanded to see the woman's private area and told her she was his and no one else's.
Police said before Ferguson left the victim's home, he stole her credit card, debit card, and ID.
The victim was left with redness, scratches and pain to her neck, and a scratch to her upper thigh. Court records show an emergency protection order was entered on Jan. 2 and granted.
The full list of charges:
- Burglary.
- Strangulation.
- Assault (domestic violence), causing minor injury.
- Terroristic threatening.
- Menacing.
- Criminal mischief.
- Theft of a stolen debit/credit card.
The St. Matthews Police Department released the following statement:
"In all our cases, we try to be transparent with the public and media. Given the sensitive nature of domestic violence incidents and the fact this is still an open investigation, we are restricted in the details which can be released regarding the circumstances and information about the victim."
Ferguson pleaded not guilty in court on Wednesday and his bond was set at $10,000.
He has been featured on The Food Network. The second season of “SuperChef: Grudge Match” began airing in late December. He shares recipes and videos frequently on the network’s social media platforms.
WHAS11 requested comment from Food Network. As of Wednesday afternoon, the network had not responded.
The chef’s last local business venture, “Tha Drippin’ Crab” closed its doors in the Russell neighborhood in 2022. Prior to that, he owned "SuperChefs" in the Highlands.
Ferguson's preliminary hearing is scheduled for Jan. 18 at 9 a.m.
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